Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s commander-in-chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi

Ukraine’s president has sacked Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the commander-in-chief of the country’s armed forces, amid speculation of a rift between them. Gen Zaluzhnyi had overseen Ukraine’s military efforts since the onset of the conflict. In a presidential decree, Battle-hardened Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi was named as his successor, marking the most significant change to Ukraine’s military leadership since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasised the need for a “renewed” high command while indicating that Gen Zaluzhnyi could still “remain on the team.” Zelensky announced the transition on Thursday, stating that a new management team would assume leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Gen Zaluzhnyi, a widely respected figure among Ukrainian soldiers and the public, has garnered significant popularity and is regarded as a national hero. His approval ratings have recently surpassed those of President Zelensky.