Noos News•
The former commander of the Ukrainian army, Valery Zalozhny, has been officially expelled from the army. He was appointed Ambassador to the United Kingdom by presidential decree. Zalozny, who enjoys great popularity among the military, was replaced in February after vocal criticism of President Zelensky.
No reason was given for sending the former general to London. Accordingly decree Zalozny was rejected for military service for health reasons. There is no other explanation. The former army chief may continue to wear the uniform. Zalozny’s ambassadorship was already announced a month ago.
Two more transfers
The Ukrainian president transferred two other commanders. Special units operating in Russian-occupied territories will have a new commander for the second time in six months. Colonel Serhiy Lobanchuk was replaced by General Oleksandr Trepak.
Dmytro Herrha was also reappointed commander of the supported army units. He was just relieved of that position in March.
The decree did not give a reason for these two transfers, but President Zelenskyy recently said that the time has come for new leaders who understand what the army needs. Since the failed Ukrainian offensive, the Russian army has been steadily occupying territory in eastern Ukraine.
No presidential elections
The dismissal of Commander-in-Chief Zalozny was met with skepticism within the army at the time. “I’m afraid he prefers to surround himself with men who agree,” an officer told NOS about President Zelensky.
Zalozny was seen as a likely candidate in Ukraine’s presidential election. But Zelensky, whose term ends this month, has decided that there will be no going to the polls for the time being. It explains why Russia will use the election to sow division and carry out attacks.
In November, Zalozny wrote in an editorial that the war had reached a stalemate. This was true, but the president publicly contradicted the general’s words. He called on military leaders “not to engage in politics.”
At the beginning of February, Zalozny published a new opinion piece, this time published by CNN. He criticized Ukrainian policy. It’s unusual for a leader to do something like this.