Zelensky throws out Saluzhni: a Russian is Ukraine’s new army chief

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Things have been simmering for some time now between Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Valery Zalushni (50) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (46). But on Thursday it’s finally over: Saluschni has to go. “Today a new leadership team will head the Ukrainian armed forces,” Zelenskiy said in a speech. It concerns Alexander Sirski (58).

Sirski was born in 1965 in the Russian city of Vladimir near Moscow, went to school there and received military training in the Russian capital. His parents and brother are said to still live in Russia – and are even supporters of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin (71), according to Russian media.

Moving to Ukraine

In 1980, Sirski moved to Ukraine – and became a national hero here. As early as 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea, he attracted attention for his services to the Ukrainian armed forces. Since 2019, he has led the ground forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces as commander.

When Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022, it was Sirski who led Kiev’s defense. For this, Zelensky awarded him the title “Hero of Ukraine”. When the Russians set course for Kiev in March 2022, the general blew up the dam on the Irpin River.

Sirski provided some victories

Sirski was responsible for many of the Ukrainian army’s victories in the first year of the war. In September 2022, he was responsible for the Russian army halting the offensive in Kharkov. Sirski raised the Ukrainian flag in the small town of Balakliya after Russia occupied it for months. Under his leadership, further parts of eastern and southeastern Ukraine were reconquered.

The Ukrainian armed forces also held a position in Bakhmut for months. The fight against the Russians was tough. Wagner mercenaries eventually recaptured the city, but Sirski believed that the Ukrainians were causing significant damage to the Russian army at the time.

Salushni was subordinate to Sirski

According to The Economist, Sirski is described by his colleagues as an ‘obsessive planner’. His fighting technique is based on his Soviet training. However, unlike Russian generals who have undergone the same training, he relies on hybrid warfare and stays in touch with his soldiers to maintain morale. He himself told Western media that he slept only four and a half hours and was “addicted” to exercise.

Salushni, eight years his junior, once reported to Sirski’s command before being appointed head of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2021. Insiders already believed in the summer that Sirski could follow in Saluschni’s footsteps. Because the deposed commander-in-chief became too dangerous for Zelensky. He feared that Salushni could become a political opponent. Salushni had become too critical, too popular and too dangerous. “I offered General Zalushni to remain part of the team of the Ukrainian state,” Zelensky said in his speech. It is unclear what role awaits the ex-army chief there and whether he will accept the offer.

Source: Blick