Zelensky confirmed the conflict with Zaluzhny for the first time and urged the Chief of the Armed Forces not to engage in politics

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the Chief Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valeriy Zaluzhny, and Ukrainian generals not to engage in politics.

He made this statement in an interview with The Sun.

Zelensky stated that during wartime, military personnel should refrain from involvement in politics because it “does not lead to national unity.” Although he acknowledges they have that right.

“If a person wants to get into politics, then they won’t be able to deal with war. If you’re managing a war while keeping in mind that tomorrow you’ll be dealing with politics or elections, then in your words and actions at the front line, you behave like a politician, not a military leader. I believe that is a huge mistake. With all due respect to General Zaluzhny and all commanders on the battlefield, there is absolute understanding of hierarchy, and there can’t be two, three, four, or five,” said the president.

Zelensky’s statement, urging Zaluzhny to respect the hierarchy and avoid engaging in politics, marks the first public confirmation of a conflict with the Chief Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the president’s side.

This conflict has two components:

1. A disagreement between Zelensky and Zaluzhny regarding the situation on the front lines and the subsequent strategy of the war (which was evident in their exchange regarding an article by Zaluzhny in The Economist).
2. Zaluzhny’s popularity in Ukraine and his strong standing among Western allies, automatically positioning him as the primary alternative to Zelensky in the eyes of those within and beyond the country who believe a change in leadership is necessary.