Zelensky relieves the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Army and appoints the “most experienced general” as his successor outside

look. Explained in 60 seconds: Who is Valery Zalozny?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on X, previously Twitter, that he had met with the general. “We discussed the renewal that the Ukrainian Armed Forces need,” the president wrote. “The time has come for such innovation.”

The position of “Iron General” Zalozny has been the subject of speculation for several weeks. The relationship between the army commander and the president became tense due to the failed counterattack launched by Ukraine against the Russian army. Rumors also emerged at the end of last year that the general had ambitions to run for president (+). Zaluzhny has always categorically denied this. According to various media outlets, Zelensky already tried to dismiss the general last Monday, but no one seemed willing to succeed Zalozny.

Zelensky has now appointed General Oleksandr Sirsky as Zalozny’s successor. He was commander of the ground forces. In a statement, the head of state described the new army commander as “the most experienced general in Ukraine.” He points out that almost two years ago, at the beginning of the Russian invasion, Sersky took command of the defense of the capital, Kiev. He also led the counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region in the fall of 2022.

Zelensky immediately ordered Sersky to draw up a “realistic” battle plan against Russia for the rest of the year that “takes into account the real situation on the battlefield and future prospects.”

If it were up to the president, Zalozny would be involved in directing the Ukrainian armed forces. “I thanked him for the two years he defended Ukraine,” Zelensky said. “I suggested to General Zalozny that he remain part of the team.”

Watch also. In May last year, Zalozny told how they could expel the Russians after the invasion