(NewsSpace.com) – The war between Ukraine and Russia is steamrolling ahead into its third year with seemingly no end in sight. Both sides have experienced massive casualties, setbacks, and gains. However, rumors have been spreading that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is feuding with General Valery Zaluzhny, his armed forces commander, and he recently confirmed that he is considering plans to replace him.
Zelenskyy was recently asked by the Italian news outlet RAI TV if he was firing Zaluzhny. In response, he said the nation is due for “a reset, a new beginning.” However, he was quick to note that he’s not singling one person out. Zelenskyy said that any changes will be “a replacement of a series of state leaders, not just a single sector like the military,” and not just one person. The changes he said are necessary for the future “direction of the country’s leadership.” He also disagrees that there will be no “beautiful breakthrough” for Ukraine at the end of the war.
An official familiar with the happenings said an official decree for Zaluzhny’s removal is expected to come soon, but it hasn’t yet. On January 29, Serhiy Nykyforov, Zelenskyy’s spokesperson, said the leader hadn’t fired the general, but there’s been no update since. Other reports, according to The Hill, say that Zelenskyy asked Zaluzhny to resign, but he refused.
In the interview, Zelenskyy was also open about the status of the war, saying “there is a stalemate” due to several factors, including “delays in equipment.” He also noted that 26% of Ukrainian territory is still occupied by Russia, but that his forces have been successful in preventing the invader’s troops from making any significant advances. To fight off Russia, Zelenskyy is relying quite heavily on the West to provide the nation with munitions. The European Union has passed a $54 billion aid package, but the US, the largest provider by far, is still negotiating what one would look like.
As of the time of writing, Zelenskyy has not moved forward with Zaluzhny’s removal.
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