According to the agency, Zaluzhnyi is often perceived as a potential political rival to Zelensky. However, he avoids discussing his political plans, emphasizing that he does not intend to jeopardize the unity of the country in wartime. Nevertheless, in a recent interview, he openly discussed the deep rift between himself and the head of state for the first time.
According to Zaluzhnyi, the tension in their relationship began to escalate immediately after the onset of the full-scale war in February 2022, when disputes regularly arose between them regarding the necessary measures to protect Ukraine.
A critical moment in their relationship occurred at the end of 2022, when employees of the Ukrainian internal security service conducted a search of Zaluzhnyi's office. He considers this incident an act of intimidation that could undermine national unity during such a difficult period. In the opinion of the former commander, even after some time, the disclosure of this information could exacerbate the division in society, notes the AP.
During the search, Zaluzhnyi contacted the head of the president's administration, warning of his intention to involve the military to protect his command center. "I am ready to fight you and have already called for reinforcements in Kyiv," he quotes himself as saying.
Although the acute phase of the conflict subsided at that time, disagreements over military strategy continued to exist. The issue of the 2023 counteroffensive was particularly contentious, which, as Zaluzhnyi noted, did not meet expectations.
Reference Information
Photo from the internet. Valerii Zaluzhnyi
Valerii Zaluzhnyi is a general and Ukrainian military leader.
From July 27, 2021, to February 2024, he served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, leading the Armed Forces in the context of a full-scale war with Russia. In February 2024, he was relieved of his position.
After his resignation, Zaluzhnyi was appointed as Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom.
He is considered one of the most influential figures in the Ukrainian army during the war and is often mentioned in the context of potential participation in future elections.
