Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky replaced the Commander of the Ukrainian Army with the Commander of Ground Forces on Thursday, marking a significant gamble as Russian forces currently hold the upper hand after nearly two years of war. The change, which comes with new military leadership, follows months of speculation about a rift between Zelensky and Army Chief General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who is regarded as a national hero by many Ukrainians. Zelensky stated, "Starting today, a new management team is taking charge of the Armed Forces of Ukraine." Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi was announced as the new head of the armed forces. Syrskyi, the Commander of Ground Forces, assumes leadership amid extreme uncertainty as Kyiv awaits vital military assistance from the United States, which has been delayed due to political turmoil there for several months.
As Ukraine struggles to quickly reform its military mobilization program, Zaluzhnyi's dismissal could deal a blow to the morale of troops along a front that stretches a thousand kilometers. It could also have political ramifications and harm Zelensky's popularity. Public opinion polls placed trust in Zaluzhnyi, dubbed the Iron General, at over 90 percent, significantly higher than Zelensky's estimated popularity of around 77 percent late last year. The military change reveals a series of statements in which Zelensky indicated he met with Zaluzhnyi to discuss changes in military leadership and asked the general to remain "within his team."
In a separate statement, Zaluzhnyi noted that he had "important and serious talks" with Zelensky, and they had decided to change some battle tactics and strategies. Zaluzhnyi stated, "The missions of 2022 differ from those of 2024. Therefore, everyone must change and adapt to new realities, so that we can win together." Zelensky and Zaluzhnyi's statements were published around the same time, indicating that the two main wartime figures in Ukraine coordinated closely to demonstrate unity.
