Major Shakeup in Ukrainian Military Command: President Zelenskyy Contemplates Army Chief Replacement
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is reportedly gearing up for a substantial transformation in the nation’s military command by considering the replacement of army chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi. This potential move would mark the most significant shake-up in the country’s military hierarchy since Russia’s full-scale invasion nearly two years ago.
Zaluzhnyi, however, declined Zelenskyy’s offer of a new role on Monday, as reported by the Financial Times on Tuesday. According to four unnamed sources familiar with the discussions, Zelenskyy may not make an immediate decision regarding Zaluzhnyi’s tenure.
Tensions between Zelenskyy and Zaluzhnyi have been widely reported, with a notable rift emerging after the army chief’s comments to The Economist last November, characterizing the war with Russia as a “stalemate.” Zelenskyy publicly disagreed with this assessment.
Despite Ukraine’s Defense Ministry denying speculation about Zaluzhnyi’s position, the situation remains dynamic, and further clarity is awaited.
In a separate incident, a Russian teenager was sentenced to eight years in prison for sabotaging a railway track near St Petersburg. Vyacheslav Zaitsev, 19, admitted guilt and was fined for the act, which Russian officials linked to pro-Ukrainian sabotage groups disrupting supplies to the war front.
Additionally, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu emphasized the urgency of ramping up the production of self-propelled artillery systems. During a visit to arms-producing factories in Yekaterinburg, Shoigu urged manufacturers to meet specific targets set by President Vladimir Putin, underlining the strategic importance of enhancing weapons and ammunition production amid ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
These developments underscore the complex geopolitical landscape and the ongoing efforts by both Russia and Ukraine to navigate challenges and strengthen their military capabilities.
*Reporting by CNBC.*