‘Zaluzhnyi left his mark on modern Ukrainian history’ How Ukrainian officials reacted to Zelensky’s dismissal of Valerii Zaluzhnyi
On February 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces (AFU) Valerii Zaluzhnyi. The general had led the Ukrainian army since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, not only repelling Russia’s initial attacks, but also returning parts of previously occupied territories. The official reason for Zaluzhnyi’s dismissal was to “renew the leadership.” The general was replaced by the commander of Ukraine’s Ground Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi, who Zelensky referred to as “the most experienced Ukrainian commander.” Meduza has compiled some of the initial reactions to Zaluzhnyi’s dismissal from Ukrainian mayors, governors, and members of the Zelensky administration.
Volodymyr Zelensky
President of Ukraine
I’m grateful to General Zaluzhnyi for two years of defense. I’m thankful for every victory that we achieved together, thanks to all Ukrainian soldiers who heroically carry the war on their shoulders.
Rustem Umerov
Ukraine’s Defense Minister
General Valerii Zaluzhnyi carried out one of the most difficult tasks — leading Ukraine’s Armed Forces during the great war with Russia. Ukraine’s Armed Forces, together with all the people of our country, showed the whole world that Ukraine will fight for its own and for its people, regardless of which adversary it faces. Our soldiers repelled the invasion by the aggressor, defended our statehood, and continue to defend our independence on a daily basis.
The war doesn’t remain the same. The war changes and demands change. Combat operations in 2022, 2023, and 2024 are three different realities. 2024 brings new changes, for which we need to be prepared. New approaches, new strategies are needed. Today, a decision has been made on the need to change the leadership of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. A sincere thank you to Mr. Zaluzhnyi for all his achievements and victories.
Mykhailo Podolyak
Adviser to the Head of the Office of President of Ukraine
President Zelensky made the decision to systematically update the leadership of the AFU, including the Commander-in-Chief. This decision stems from the need to revise tactics that didn’t fully achieve the expected results last year, to prevent stagnation on the front line, which negatively impacts public sentiment, find new functional and high-tech solutions to maintain and to develop initiative, and to initiate the process of reforming management principles in the army.
Vitali Klitschko
Mayor of Kyiv
I thank the General and great man Valerii Zaluzhnyi for serving Ukraine, for protecting our state. Thanks to you, Ukrainians have truly believed in our Armed Forces, which now have the highest levels of public trust.
As a combat General in the war, you have faced many critical moments and made numerous difficult decisions. I’m confident that you will overcome this challenge with dignity.
I hope that the government will explain these changes to the public. At a time when heavy fighting continues on the front lines, when we must continue effective cooperation with international partners. At a time when a unified society needs authorities that it trusts.
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Andriy Sadovyi
Mayor of Lviv
Whatever lies ahead, Zaluzhnyi left his mark on modern Ukrainian history, laying the foundation for our victory. Gratitude and respect to the Commander-in-Chief and all military personnel defending Ukraine! Thank you for everything, General!
Oleksandr Prokudin
Governor of Kherson
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made the decision to update the leadership of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. The head of state appointed Oleksandr Syrskyi as AFU Commander-in-Chief, having successful experience defending our state and liberating Ukrainian land.
The revised team will also include brigade generals Andrii Hnatov, Mykhailo Drapatyi, and Ihor Skybiuk, and colonels Pavlo Palisa and Vadym Sukharevskyi. I know Generals Hnatov and Drapatyi personally, we have long worked together in the Kherson region. These are people deserving our respect for their direct defense of our country. I’m confident that this team is focused on Ukrainian victory and will undoubtedly achieve it.
Thank you to Mr. Zaluzhnyi for two years defending our country. Hold the line.
Oleh Syniehubov
Governor of Kharkiv
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Ukrainian Colonel General Oleskandr Syryskyi as the new Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. He’s an experienced commander, who is credited with the successful defense of the Kyiv region and the Kharkiv liberation operation.
Hero of Ukraine Mr. Syrskyi is an honorary citizen of the Kharkiv region. During his tenure as the commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces and the Khortytsia operational-strategic group, Ukrainian soldiers drove the occupier out of our region. I will always remember those critical days when Oleksandr Syrkyi made measured and effective decisions.
General Valerii Zaluzhnyi carried out one of the most challenging tasks — leading Ukraine’s Armed Forces during Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukrainian defenders fought valiantly against the enemy and preserved our statehood.
2024 will be successful for Ukraine. We’ll do everything possible for it. Glory to Ukraine!
Translation by Sasha Slobodov