Volodymyr Zelensky replaces his commander-in-chief of the armed forces, General Zaluzhny

The Ukrainian Minister of Defense announced on Thursday February 8 the replacement of the very popular commander-in-chief of his armed forces, Valery Zalouzhny, a major change which had been the subject of persistent rumors for several weeks.

“Today the decision was made to change the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine”specified Roustem Oumerov on Facebook, saying “grateful” towards Valery Zalouzhny. The chief of staff is replaced by General Oleksandr Syrsky, commander of the ground forces of the Ukrainian army.

Volodymyr Zelensky praised the work of the general at the head of the Ukrainian armed forces, offering him to remain in his “team”. “We talked about the changes that the Armed Forces need. We also discussed who could be part of a renewed command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I offered General Zaluzhny to remain in the team”he wrote on the social network

Ukrainian president calls for “realistic” plan for 2024

In his message, Volodymyr Zelensky also declared that “the time for renewal is now”. He thus ordered to his new commander-in-chief of the armed forces to provide him with a “realistic” battle plan against Russia for 2024, after the failure of kyiv’s major counter-offensive last year.

“I expect such changes in the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the nearest future: a realistic and detailed action plan (…) for 2024” who would hold “takes into account the actual situation on the battlefield and future prospects”he said in his daily address.