Commander Zaluzhny, dismissed by Zelensky, appointed UK ambassador

NOS News•today, 5:44 PM

The former commander of the Ukrainian army, Valery Zaluzhny, has been officially expelled from the army. He has been appointed ambassador to the United Kingdom by presidential decree. Zaluzhny, popular among military personnel, was replaced in February after open criticism of President Zelensky.

No reason has been given for why the ex-general is being sent to London. According to the decree, Zaluzhny has been rejected for military service for health reasons. There is no further explanation. The ex-army leader may continue to wear a uniform. Zaluzhny’s ambassadorship had already been announced a month ago.

The Ukrainian president has transferred two more commanders. The special units operating in Russian-occupied territory will have a new commander for the second time in six months. Colonel Serhi Lupanchuk is replaced by General Oleksandr Trepak.

Dmytro Hereha has also been reappointed as commander of the supported army units. He had just been relieved of that position in March.

A reason for these two transfers is not stated in the decree, but President Zelensky recently said it is time for new commanders who understand what the military needs. Since the failed Ukrainian offensive, the Russian army has been steadily conquering territory in eastern Ukraine.

The dismissal of top general Zaluzhny was received with skepticism within the army at the time. “I’m afraid he prefers to surround himself with yes-men,” an officer said to NOS about President Zelensky.

Zaluzhny was seen as a likely candidate in the presidential elections in Ukraine. But Zelensky, whose term expires this month, has decided that there will be no going to the polls for the time being. He gives the reason that Russia would use elections to sow division and carry out attacks.

In November, Zaluzhny had written in an op-ed that the war had reached a stalemate. That was true, but the president openly contradicted the general’s words. He called on military leaders “not to get involved in politics.”

At the beginning of February, Zaluzhny published a new opinion article, this time published by CNN. In it he criticized Ukrainian policy. It’s highly unusual for a commander to do something like this.