‘A reboot and a fresh start are needed’: Zelensky confirmed for the first time his intention to dismiss Zaluzhny

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed for the first time his intentions to dismiss the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valeriy Zaluzhnyy.

President Zelensky stated this during an interview with the Italian TV channel Rai1, adding that he is also considering dismissing not only Zaluzhnyy but also other senior officials.

“Of course, a reboot and a fresh start are necessary. When we talk about this, I mean replacing a number of senior officials of the state, not only in the military sphere. I am considering this replacement (of Zaluzhnyy), it’s true. This issue concerns the entire management team that drives the country,” Zelensky said, responding to questions about disagreements with Zaluzhnyy.

“If we want to win, we all must move in the same direction, being confident in victory. We cannot despair, we must not give up. We need to have the right positive energy. That’s why I talk about a reboot, a replacement. I have something serious in mind; it’s not about one person, but about the direction of the country’s leadership,” he explained.

Today, U.S. President Joe Biden’s national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, indicated that consultations were held with the Americans on the topic of Zaluzhnyy’s dismissal.

Earlier, the website NBC News reported that rumors of the dismissal of the Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces exposed a rift in Ukraine’s leadership. According to analysts from the publication, this story could also undermine trust within the country, as the conflict in Ukraine approaches the two-year mark, and morale on the battlefield and among the population becomes increasingly tense.