(StraightNews.org) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has fired his top General amid a faltering military strategy and indications of a “reset” of his country’s war effort. Mr. Zelensky announced the dismissal of General Valerii Zaluzhnyi on Telegram after the two met to discuss “what kind of renewal the Armed Forces of Ukraine need.”
Zaluzhnyi responded to the post by saying what his country needs in 2024 is different from what it needed in 2022, and everyone must change and face new realities.
Ukraine is struggling with renewed Russian military campaigns and war fatigue, which experts say is worsening as the conflict enters its third year. Zelensky recently spoke of a broad shake-up of his government and military. “I have something serious in mind, which is not about a single person but about the direction of the country’s leadership,” he told reporters in Italy.
On February 8, Zelensky announced on social media that Ukraine’s new army commander would be Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who has led his country’s efforts to raise military standards to match those of NATO, and who has been in charge of ground forces throughout the conflict with Russia.
The shake-up comes as a war-weary nation calls for more international support and runs an internal campaign for troops to step up. In December, Zelensky said he needed half a million soldiers at a time of funding setbacks in America and Europe. Hungary blocked a $50 million package from the EU before Christmas, and legislation to provide more American aid is stalled in Congress as House Republicans refuse to back it until the southern US border is secured.
Zelensky did receive a recent boost, however, with a surprise visit from UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who promised financial help of around $3 billion. Sunak’s spokesperson said the money would pay for long-range missiles, air defenses, artillery ammunition, and thousands of military drones. Most of these will be manufactured in the UK.
Copyright 2024, StraightNews.org
