KYIV, (Reuters) – A deepening rift between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his former top military commander, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, has come into sharper focus with new details emerging about a strained relationship and disagreements over strategy, raising questions about Ukraine’s political landscape as the war with Russia approaches its fourth year.
Zaluzhnyi, who served as Kyiv’s commander-in-chief until and now holds the post of Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, detailed a series of contentious issues in a recent interview with the Associated Press. These included allegations of a security raid on his office in and criticism of Zelenskiy’s handling of the counteroffensive.
Allegations of Intimidation and a Disputed Raid
According to Zaluzhnyi, his office was raided by dozens of agents from Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) in . He stated that he responded by calling Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, warning he was prepared to deploy troops to protect his command center, having already called for reinforcements to Kyiv. The SBU, however, has disputed Zaluzhnyi’s account, claiming that an address used by him as a covert post was part of an unrelated investigation into organized crime and that no search was conducted.
The allegations of intimidation come at a sensitive time for Ukraine, as it seeks to maintain national unity in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. Zelenskiy, in his nightly address on , emphasized the importance of national cohesion, stating, “Any other politics in Ukraine is absolutely unnecessary at present… Personal matters (are for) later.” His office did not directly comment on the AP interview.
Disagreement Over Counteroffensive Strategy
Zaluzhnyi also attributed the limited success of Ukraine’s much-anticipated counteroffensive to a lack of commitment of resources by Zelenskiy. The counteroffensive, aimed at breaking through Russian defenses, largely failed to achieve its objectives. Zaluzhnyi explained that his original plan, which focused on a single axis of attack, was overridden by Zelenskiy’s directive to launch offensives across a broader front line.
This disagreement over strategy highlights a fundamental tension between the military and political leadership of Ukraine. While Zelenskiy has sought to demonstrate a broad commitment to reclaiming Ukrainian territory, Zaluzhnyi, as the former military commander, appears to have advocated for a more focused and resource-intensive approach.
Political Implications and Future Elections
The public airing of these grievances has reignited speculation about a potential political rivalry between Zelenskiy and Zaluzhnyi. Opinion polls have consistently shown Zaluzhnyi as Zelenskiy’s primary challenger in any future presidential election, despite Zaluzhnyi’s repeated assertions that he has no political ambitions.
Zelenskiy has indicated his willingness to hold elections once active fighting ceases, a move that is currently being influenced by pressure from the United States to secure a peace deal with Russia. The timing of any election remains uncertain, but the growing rift between Zelenskiy and Zaluzhnyi adds a new layer of complexity to Ukraine’s political future.
Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko, based in Kyiv, noted that many Ukrainians view Zaluzhnyi as a figure capable of enacting systemic change. This perception, coupled with his military credentials, positions him as a potential alternative to Zelenskiy should he choose to enter the political arena.
Broader Context: U.S. Pressure and War Fatigue
The timing of these revelations coincides with increasing U.S. Pressure on Ukraine to reach a negotiated settlement with Russia. As the war enters its fourth year, concerns are growing about war fatigue among Ukraine’s allies and the sustainability of continued military and financial aid. The internal political dynamics within Ukraine, particularly the relationship between Zelenskiy and Zaluzhnyi, could significantly impact the country’s negotiating position and its ability to secure a favorable outcome to the conflict.
The situation is further complicated by recent Russian gains on the eastern front, which underscore the challenges facing Ukraine in its fight against the invading forces. The revelation of the rift between Zelenskiy and Zaluzhnyi threatens to polarize public opinion at a critical juncture in the war, potentially undermining national unity and hindering Ukraine’s ability to effectively respond to the ongoing crisis.
(Reporting by Max Hunder; Additional reporting by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Dan Peleschuk and Gareth Jones)
