The mayor of Kiev warned President Zelensky to ignore national interests and risk breaking social solidarity if he fired General Zaluzhny.
"The whole society is discussing and anxiously waiting for the results of the President's plan to dismiss army commander Valery Zaluzhny," Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko wrote on Telegram today.
The mayor of Kiev said that General Zaluzhny was the person who restored public trust in the Ukrainian army and went through many difficult times. “Unfortunately, politics is above common sense and national interests at this stage, which is also not within Zaluzhny's right to decide,” he said.
Klitschko emphasized that the most important factors for Ukraine right now are fighting power, military unity and solidarity throughout society.
“I hope the government understands the seriousness and responsibility that comes with the actions they are taking. Political competition and infighting need to end. We must fight for Ukraine's victory," he added.
Mayor Klitschko in an interview in Kiev in December 12. Image: Reuters
Klitschko, once a world heavyweight boxing champion, has served as Mayor of Kiev since 2014 and is a political opponent of President Zelensky. However, his comments also reflect growing discontent within Ukraine after nearly two years of fighting.
The statement was made a day after President Zelensky said he was considering replacing a series of senior officials, including General Zaluzhny, in an effort to "reset the apparatus" towards victory in the conflict with Russia. . This is the first time Mr. Zelensky has confirmed his intention to fire the Ukrainian military commander after many denials.
General Zaluzhny's influence and position began to emerge since Russia launched its campaign in Ukraine in February 2. However, the conflict between him and President Zelensky broke out in November 2022 after the Ukrainian military commander said Kiev's counteroffensive campaign had reached a deadlock and faced harsh criticism from the President's Office.
The disagreement between the two sides then continued to widen due to arguments over troop mobilization, when General Zaluzhny wanted to add 450.000-500.000 to the front line, something Mr. Zelensky opposed. Ukrainian MP Yevgeny Shevchenko said on February 5 that General Zaluzhny had agreed to leave the army in the next few days to go to England as ambassador.
Vu Anh (Follow Reuters, RT)
