“Discussing it is harmful”: Zelensky is trying to shut down the topic of the conflict with Zaluzhnyi amid talk of elections and public fatigue with unchanging leadership
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, is engaged in politics.
The head of state made the remarks in an interview with the German outlet Tagesschau, commenting on Zaluzhnyi’s criticism of him over the failed 2023 counteroffensive.
The journalist asked whether Zaluzhnyi would remain in his post as ambassador to the UK, noting that the president has the authority to appoint and dismiss ambassadors. In response, Zelensky asked a counterquestion: “Did you get the impression that I wanted to fire him?”
The interviewer then reminded him that the former commander-in-chief has accused, among others, the president of mistakes in planning the counteroffensive.
“Yes, I heard it. But you see, I’m a reasonable person. Now is not the time for politics. Others decided otherwise. I don’t want to do politics right now. I respect our army and respect how it fought at different stages of the war with Russia throughout all these years. That’s all I can say on this matter. I don’t want to go deeper into this story. It doesn’t interest me much,” the president replied.
Earlier, Zaluzhnyi said he is not thinking about a political career or elections while the war continues.
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