The reasons for Valery Zalushny's expulsion remain a mystery. The new boss will not be able to change the general precarious situation.
The reasons for the expulsion of the popular general are mysterious Photo: Gleb Garanich/Reuters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should finally come to his senses. With these words, a user on social networks commented on the growing rumors about the imminent dismissal of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Valeriy Zalushnyj. The call remains a pious wish, since Thursday of this week it is official and Saluschnyj has been fired. A thank you for two years defending Ukraine along with a small concrete offer to stay on Zelensky's team: that's it.
Whether it was the general's possible political ambitions and high popularity ratings, his outspoken criticism of the government, or simply the fact that a scapegoat was needed for last year's failed counteroffensive, the reasons for Zelenkyj's decision remain a mystery. . His justification that it is not about personnel but about modernization and reorganization of the army is also not convincing.
Because Oleksandr Syrskyj will also fail because of these demands. Salushny's successor may be more docile with the president and less careful when he deals with lower ranks. But that does not change the general situation. This is precarious.
kyiv is on the defensive militarily. There is a shortage of weapons, ammunition and personnel. The long debates over the reform of the mobilization law could be an indication of the possible decline in the willingness of Ukrainians to risk themselves in the fight for their homeland.
It depends on the money
By contrast, Russia still appears to have resources, as repeatedly demonstrated by massive waves of attacks. For President Vladimir Putin, who will surely be re-elected in March, it does not matter how much human material is burned in Ukraine.
The following remains valid: the outcome of this war, and therefore the fate of Ukraine, will be decided primarily in Washington and Brussels. There too, as on the battlefield, things move slowly. The agreement in the EU on a 50 billion euro aid package was not a sure success. The dispute over financial aid to Ukraine in the United States Congress is a preview of what could happen if Donald Trump returns to the White House.
Given these imponderables, combined with growing insecurity, war fatigue and an imminent shift to the right in this year's EU elections, Zelensky clearly has nothing better to do than open another front. Nobody needs that, especially in Ukraine.