Zelenskiy’s first words after rumors of Zaluzny’s dismissal spread were ‘reform’
“It’s not about one person…it includes overall leadership changes.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has for the first time expressed his position on the need for leadership reform in response to rumors of the dismissal of Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Valery Zaluzhny, which has recently emerged as a hot potato.
In an interview with Italy’s TG1 on the 4th (local time), President Zelensky said, “Ukraine’s leadership needs to be reset. “It could involve multiple personnel reforms beyond the military,” he said.
When asked about the rumor of the dismissal of Commander-in-Chief Zaluzni, he explained, “It is not about just one person, but about the overall direction of the country’s leadership,” adding, “Change may also include a series of replacements of government leaders.”
On the same day, according to AFP, the Office of the President of Ukraine announced that Ivan Fedorov, the mayor of Melitopol, Zaporizhia, would be transferred to the position of mayor of Zaporizhia.
Jake Sullivan, the U.S. White House national security adviser, said on CBS on the same day, “This is not a matter for the U.S. government to consider in any way,” and explained, “It is Ukraine’s sovereignty and the president’s right to make personnel decisions.”
Advisor Sullivan added that the United States conveyed this message to Ukraine through diplomatic channels.
Commander-in-Chief Zaluzny, who enjoys high public approval, has been leading the entire military since 2021.
The Kiev Independent reported that a public opinion poll conducted last month showed that 72% of Ukrainians were opposed to Commander-in-Chief Zaluzny’s resignation.
Inside Ukraine, support for Commander-in-Chief Zaluzny is high. When the presidential election is held this year, he is considered President Zelenskyy’s only opponent.
Last month, based on opinion poll data, the Kiev Independent reported that President Zelenskyy would narrowly win the hypothetical presidential election over Commander-in-Chief Zaluznyy. In some opinion polls, Commander-in-Chief Zaluzny beat President Zelenskyy.
The New York Times pointed out, “Some will view the attempt to dismiss Commander-in-Chief Zaluzny as (President Zelenskyy’s) attempt to weaken a potential political opponent.”
Recently, all kinds of speculations and unconfirmed information have been circulating regarding the dismissal of Commander-in-Chief Zaluzni.
There are various analyzes ranging from rumors of discord with President Zelenskyy to rumors of eliminating political opponents. Regarding his dismissal, there are conflicting reports, such as that it has been withdrawn or that it will be announced soon, but no official decision has been made. However, with President Zelenskyy’s remarks, there is an analysis that there is a high possibility that the rumor of Commander-in-Chief Zaluzny’s dismissal will lead to actual action.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.