Confusion surrounds Valery Zaluzhny's dismissal rumors in Ukraine

The Ukrainian media is abuzz with reports suggesting that Valery Zaluzhny was to be dismissed by Volodymyr Zelensky. Numerous online messages even indicated that the president was poised to appoint Kyrylo Budanov to replace the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Finally, Volodymyr Zelensky's press spokesman addressed the matter.

On Monday afternoon, information surfaced on Ukrainian social media and websites alleging that Valery Zaluzhny, the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, was purportedly relieved of his duties by Volodymyr Zelensky.

Borislav Bereza, a former deputy of the Security Council of Ukraine, claimed online that "The commander was dismissed from his position. My sources from the Chancellery of the President have confirmed his termination. I earnestly hope this information isn't validated. Very much so. But this marks the second source," he mentioned in a Facebook post. On another platform, he added, "The information has been confirmed. Zelensky removed Chief Zaluzhny. Today is a holiday in Moscow".

Ukraine: Valery Zaluzhny dismissed?

Deputy Oleksiy Honcharenko, cited by the Obozrevatel portal, echoed similar sentiments. He asserted that Zaluzhny was offered an ambassadorial position in one of the European Union countries, which he allegedly declined. Furthermore, journalist Roman Tsymbalyuk suggested, as reported on the Ukrainian website, that Kyrylo Budanov was supposedly appointed to replace the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces.

Afterward, the journalist deleted the post and clarified that "the order becomes effective upon publication".

"If it hasn't been made public, it doesn't mean there wasn't such an intention. This political decision is extremely delicate and significantly impacts our fate. That's why at the eleventh hour, we were persuaded not to proceed. That's fortunate", he added. According to his findings, the decision to dismiss Valery Zaluzhny from his position and appoint the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate in his place was purportedly to be made by Volodymyr Zelensky himself.

Valery Zaluzhny dismissed? Conflicting reports

Conflicting information abounds regarding whether Valery Zaluzhny will continue to serve as commander-in-chief. The Ukrainska Pravda portal notes that there's no information on the website of the Chancellery of the President confirming the resignation.

Moreover, some contacts associated with the Staff of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine refuted reports of Zaluzhny's dismissal. Similarly, after 7 PM local time, sources within Volodymyr Zelensky's administration denied the information.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine also refuted the reports on social media, stating: "Dear journalists, we unequivocally respond: No, it is untrue." Although the ministry did not specify the message's subject, it's likely in reference to reports about the alleged dismissal of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

https://twitter.com/DD_Geopolitics/status/1752014999663358189

Zaluzhny's resignation? The President's spokesman denies this

A similar stance was taken by Hanna Malar. "The appointment of senior military commanders doesn't occur via social media. Without a signed and published decree, there's no nomination," wrote the former Ukrainian deputy defense minister. She also enumerated various motives for the confusion, such as political infighting, chaos, attempts to influence certain processes, or provocation.

However, the dispute regarding Zaluzhny's position persists. Interfax Ukraine reports, citing a source close to the country's military leadership, that the military officer may face dismissal.

Ukrainska Pravda, quoting Serhiy Nikiforov, spokesman for the Ukrainian leader, reported that "the president did not dismiss Zaluzhny." Zelensky and Zaluzhny themselves refrained from commenting on the matter. There has been no official statement directly addressing the media reports.