Former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Valeriy Zaluzhny, gave a groundbreaking interview to the Associated Press. The current ambassador to London sheds new light on the deep rift with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which led to his dismissal in February 2024. Zaluzhny recalls searches in his office and fundamental differences in strategy during the 2023 counteroffensive, fueling speculation about his political future.

Behind the Scenes of Zaluzhny's Dismissal

The general revealed that the conflict with the president's staff had been escalating since September 2022, with reasons including disputes over counteroffensive strategy and listening devices in the commander's office.

Billions from Switzerland

The government in Bern confirmed the provision of 6 billion francs in aid to Ukraine, declaring continued support in the face of attacks on energy infrastructure.

Hashim Thaçi's Trial

The former president of Kosovo rejected accusations of crimes against humanity in The Hague; the tribunal has begun deliberations on the final verdict.

The relationship between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and General Valeriy Zaluzhny has long been the subject of media speculation, but the former commander's latest interview with the Associated Press gives it a new dimension. Zaluzhny, nicknamed the „Iron General”, revealed that the critical point in their cooperation occurred as early as September 2022. The conflict grew over differences in planning military operations, particularly in the context of the 2023 counteroffensive, which did not bring the expected results. The general also mentioned an incident involving the planting of listening devices and a raid on his office, which he perceived as a form of political pressure. Despite serving as ambassador to the United Kingdom, Zaluzhny remains the most popular figure in Ukraine, trailing only the army as an institution in trust rankings. In the interview, he emphasized that he does not want to harm national unity in the face of the fourth year of war, hence he avoids direct political declarations. Nevertheless, his open criticism of the president's decisions at key moments of the campaign indicates a lasting rift that could be of colossal importance in the case of organizing future presidential elections. The military man suggested that the bureaucratic approach of the Bankova often clashed with frontline realities. Valeriy Zaluzhny assumed the position of Commander-in-Chief in July 2021 and led the successful defense of Kyiv at the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022. Historically, clashes between political and military leadership during war, such as the Truman-MacArthur dispute, often ended with resignations that changed the course of national policy. At the same time, Switzerland summarized its support for Kyiv, announcing that since February 24, 2022, it has provided aid worth over 6 billion Swiss francs. These funds were allocated both for humanitarian aid within the country and for refugee support. Meanwhile, in The Hague, the trial of former Kosovar President Hashim Thaçi is underway before a special tribunal. Accused of war crimes from 1998–1999, Thaçi made his final statement, denying the prosecution's charges. The verdict in this case is expected in the coming months, concluding years of proceedings related to the conflict in the Balkans. „Differences in the vision of waging the war became irreconcilable, and trust was irreversibly damaged in September 2022.” — Walerij Załużny 6 mld CHF — is the total Swiss aid to Ukraine since 2022 Trust in Public Figures in Ukraine (estimate): Valeriy Zaluzhny: 88, Volodymyr Zelenskyy: 62, Ukrainian Army: 94

Mentioned People

  • Walerij Załużny — Former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, currently ambassador to London.
  • Wołodymyr Zełenski — President of Ukraine, in conflict with General Zaluzhny.
  • Hashim Thaçi — Former president of Kosovo accused of war crimes before the tribunal in The Hague.