According to the agency, Zaluzhnyi is often viewed as a potential rival to Zelensky in politics. Although he avoids discussions of his political ambitions, emphasizing the importance of national unity in wartime, in his recent interview he opened up for the first time about serious disagreements with the head of state.
He stated that conflicts between him and Zelensky began almost immediately after the war started in February 2022, when issues regarding Ukraine's defense strategy were being discussed.
The culmination of the tense relationship occurred at the end of 2022, when employees of the Ukrainian domestic intelligence agency conducted a raid at Zaluzhnyi's office. He considers this incident an act of intimidation that could undermine national unity at a critical moment for the country. Information about this, even after some time, could cause division among Ukrainians, warns AP.
During the raid, Zaluzhnyi contacted the head of the presidential administration, informing them of his readiness to involve the military to protect his command center. "I will fight with you and have already called for reinforcements to Kyiv," he quoted himself as saying.
Although the acute phase of the conflict subsided at that time, disagreements over military strategy continued. The counteroffensive of 2023 was particularly hotly debated, the results of which did not meet expectations, Zaluzhnyi noted.
Reference
Photo from the internet. Valerii Zaluzhnyi
Valerii Zaluzhnyi is a Ukrainian general and military leader.
From July 27, 2021, to February 2024, he held the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and led the Armed Forces in the context of a full-scale war with Russia. In February 2024, he was relieved of his duties.
After his resignation, Zaluzhnyi was appointed as Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom.
He is considered one of the most significant figures in the Ukrainian army during the war and is often mentioned as a likely candidate for future elections.
