President Zelensky Visits Frontline, Speculation Surrounds Military Leadership

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky visited soldiers at the front in the Zaporizhia Oblast, where he met with members of the 65th Mechanized Brigade and presented them with medals.

"It is an honor to be here today to support the fighters and recognize their service. They are facing a difficult and critical mission in repelling the enemy and defending Ukraine", Zelensky wrote on social media following the visit.

President Zelensky traveled to the Southeast of the country, specifically to the village of Robotyne, which has been recaptured as part of the Ukrainian counteroffensive. According to the latest report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the front line currently runs near Robotyne, and intense fighting has been reported there in recent days.

During his visit, he met with soldiers of the 65th Mechanized Brigade and presented them with medals for their service. "It's an honor to be here today to support and commend our warriors. They are facing a difficult and critical mission in repelling the enemy and defending Ukraine. We are proud of our warriors and grateful to all of them!" Zelensky wrote on Sunday on his social media accounts.

Zelensky at the front. In the background, the uncertain future of General Zaluzhny

Zelensky's visit to the front comes amidst speculation in the media about the impending resignation of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Valery Zaluzhny. According to the Washington Post, it is unclear when the dismissal will take place, but the newspaper emphasizes that Zelensky is unlikely to change his decision.

Reports of conflict between the general and the president, resulting in the imminent dismissal of the commander, have been circulating for some time.

The Ukrainian president suspects his subordinate of harboring political ambitions. Another contentious issue is the mobilization to increase the number of Ukrainian troops.

On Tuesday, the British Financial Times reported that Zelensky had already made a decision on the matter. The day before, Zaluzhny allegedly insisted on conscripting 500,000 young Ukrainians into the army, a move that the president opposed, citing its high financial and political costs.

Candidates for the new commander-in-chief include the head of military intelligence, General Kyrylo Budanov, and the commander of the land forces, General Oleksandr Syrski.