Zelensky declares leadership 'reset', confirms Zaluzhny to be replaced
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In an interview, Zelensky calls a cabinet reshuffle a "reset" and a "necessary new beginning" particularly considering the country's leadership.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivers his speech at the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 16, 2024. (AP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has finally announced that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Valery Zaluzhny, will be replaced – and he is not the only one, UnHerd reported.
During an interview for the Italian Rai TV, Zelensky called a cabinet reshuffle a "reset" and a "necessary new beginning" particularly considering the country's leadership, emphasizing he meant "a series of state leaders, not just in a single sector like the military.”
Ukraine's army chief had warned that the country must prepare itself for another year of significant casualties as the war nears its two-year mark later this month.
Valery Zaluzhny's comments came during talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had earlier told him that he would be sacked from his post, The Washington Post reported, citing unnamed Ukrainian officials.
The President's reshuffle seems to serve as a cleansing of Zaluzhny's men, putting a halt to the military command's gradual fissures and promoting much-needed combat unity.
Zaluzhny was summoned to meet with the President last week and allegedly complained that Zelensky was surrounded by advisors who were overly optimistic about Ukraine's combat accomplishments. Those close to the general complained that presidential advisors had "poured him [the President] a warm bath, outside of which it is difficult to see the realities of the front."
Tensions grew between Zelensky and Zaluzhny after the latter informed him that the field situation was at a "stalemate", a description that was strongly rejected by the President, The Economist reported.
Zelensky is reportedly going to ensure all in Ukraine’s command “push in the same direction, convinced of victory” and have “the right positive energy."
Following Zelensky's firing of officials on grounds of widespread corruption, Zaluzhny publicly expressed discontent with their loss as experienced professionals.
According to UnHerd, the Ukrainian President may be looking for unity in order to face the tough challenge that presents ahead with their war with Russia, whose leadership has announced plans to recruit over 400,000 soldiers in 2024.
Kiev losses exceed 23,000 troops in January: Russian MoD
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced last week that the Ukrainian armed forces lost more than 23,000 people in January, both dead and injured.
During a military leadership meeting, Shoigu said, "The losses of the Ukrainian armed forces over the past month exceeded 23,000 people killed and wounded."
Shoigu detailed that following the failure of Ukraine's counteroffensive, the Russian armed forces held strategic initiative throughout the entire line of contact in the war zone.
During the meeting, the Russian Defense Minister elaborated on how Russian units are "moving forward, expanding their control zones, and improving their position along the front line."
