Zelenskiy responds to criticism from top general: How big is the crack in Ukrainian leadership?

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The Ukrainian leadership is at a dire point. After a year and nine months of war, criticism of the country’s military strategy and of President Volodymyr Selensky (45) is increasing. Army Commander-in-Chief Valeri Zalushni (50) said this week in an article in ‘The Economist’ that he sees a ‘stalled war’ with Russia towards Ukraine. Zelenskiy subsequently dismissed the fears and declared there would be no “impasse”. To many observers, it was a sign of a rift between military and civilian leadership at an already difficult time for Ukraine. According to a report in the New York Times, the mutual reprimands even hinted at a possible rift in the leadership team.

Saluzhni’s statements about a “stalled” war would “make the aggressor’s job easier,” Igor Zhovkva, deputy head of the presidential office, said in Saluzhni’s article on Saturday. “Commanders in chief are not allowed to make public what is happening at the front,” Zhovkva continued. Salushni had previously stated that neither side would make any progress as they had the same technological capabilities.

Was there almost a split on Friday?

The New York Times sees signs that a rift between the military and civilian leadership almost occurred on Friday. Because: General Viktor Horenko, a high deputy of Saluzhni, was dismissed on Friday without further reasons. This offended the Western allies. U.S. military officials who worked with Horenko described the exchange as “close and effective.” Following Commander-in-Chief Zalushni’s comments, the White House reiterated its support for Ukraine. The country only has a chance of success if it continues to receive support from the US.

Horenko’s dismissal also caused surprise within his own ranks, the newspaper writes. Although the decision to launch an amphibious assault across the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine did not arouse universal enthusiasm, the dismissal came without notice.

“People are tired”

The rift comes at a time when Ukraine is struggling militarily and diplomatically. The fighting at the front yielded no clear successes and resulted in heavy losses on both sides. Ukraine is also facing an increasing number of Russian attacks in the east. Although Selenski does not want to hear about a ‘stalemate’, he testifies to war fatigue: ‘People are tired after so long. It doesn’t matter what position they are in and that is understandable,” he said on Saturday.

Moreover, war fatigue is also spreading among our partners. Skepticism about aid to Ukraine has increased in some European capitals and also among members of the Republican Party in the United States. Ukrainian leaders are also concerned that the attention of Western allies has shifted to the conflict between Israel and Hamas: “The war in the Middle East, this conflict is taking away the focus,” Zelensky continued.

Source: Blick