Is top general Selenski dangerous?

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When it comes to Bachmut, a dispute arises. Valeri Saluschni (49), the main general of Ukraine, wants to withdraw troops from there – but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (45) remains stubborn.

As “Bild” reports, Saluschni would have pushed for Bachmut to be deducted a few weeks ago. His argument: A withdrawal from Bachmut would not be decisive for the war, the city is hardly of strategic importance. The rush to Bakhmut proves extremely costly for the Russians, but the Ukrainians also lose many soldiers in the battle for the almost completely destroyed city.

Volodymyr Zelensky declared the city a “fortress” in December. For him Bachmut has a political symbolic value. Zelensky’s position is widely supported by the Ukrainian government. According to “Bild”, many in the Ukrainian government believe his decision to detain Bakhmut was the right one. The Russians caused considerable personal and property damage.

Power struggle government versus army

At the beginning of the Russian offensive war, there was still great agreement between the two. The division of tasks was clear: Selenski took care of media production, Zalushni the front. However, that has now changed and Selenski is also involved in military matters, such as in the Bakhmut case.

Army chief Saluschni is very popular with the people. Many see him as a possible presidential candidate. In addition, the Ukrainian army’s adherence to Bakhmut is controversial. “The vast majority of soldiers in Bakhmut do not understand why the city is being held,” quoted “Bild”, a military expert. The question that worries the fighters: “Why should we dig when the enemy surrounds us?”

Will the Bachmut heroes fall victim?

Zalushni knows what drives the Russians, because he has already fought against Putin’s troops in Crimea. He has modernized the Ukrainian army and is doing everything he can to protect his fighters – without letting the Russians win. That goes down well with the soldiers.

The next Russian offensive in Ukraine has begun. With the support of Wagner’s mercenaries, the Russian army was able to encircle Bachmut as far as possible, leaving the Ukrainians with only one major route to retreat.

Starting a lengthy dispute with his chief general now would not be a smart move on Zelensky’s part – not even in view of the soldiers who held out in Bakhmut. “If the Ukrainian troops in Bakhmut are surrounded, it is to be feared that the heroes will fall victim,” German military expert Ralph Thiele (68) warned a few days ago. (nad)

Source: Blick