By John Q. Hosedrinker As a Ukrainian, I can’t help but feel a sense of disbelief and disappointment upon hearing the news that President Zelenskyy is considering replacing Ukraine’s top military commander, Zaluzhnyi. It’s an odd thing for him to say out loud and then not follow through with, which in itself is quite concerning. It feels like a shot in the leg, not just for Zaluzhnyi, but for the majority of Ukrainians who dislike this move.
Personally, I believe that Zelenskyy should be focusing on replacing individuals like Ermak and Arahamia, who are known to be corrupted figures within his own party. It’s frustrating to see that Zelenskyy seems to have a problem with Zaluzhnyi speaking his mind without any PR agenda. As a master communicator, Zelenskyy may find it challenging to handle someone who is forthright and honest about the state of affairs.
I understand that the country depends on support from outside, and any pronounced difficulties on the battlefield may dissuade supporters from giving more aid to Ukraine. However, simply relying on positive thinking alone will not bring meaningful changes to Ukraine’s military conduct. It’s a tightrope act, and it’s important to strike a balance between honesty and maintaining international support.
Zaluzhnyi is seen as a man who genuinely cares for the troops and is popular in both the army and society. He challenges the Soviet officer model and is considered the antithesis of Syrskyi, commander of ground forces, who is seen as a more traditional Soviet type officer. We can’t overlook the fact that Zaluzhnyi has exceeded expectations in coordinating and leading the resistance against a superior foe.
Replacing Zaluzhnyi with someone like Budanov, who although skilled in certain areas, lacks experience in leading large formations of brigades, could prove to be detrimental. Budanov’s actions during the full-scale invasion reportedly led to heavy casualties. It raises concerns about the suitability of other potential candidates for such a critical military position.
Additionally, this move comes at a time when Ukraine is facing an internal crisis, with leaders fighting each other and corruption thriving. It is disheartening to see how corruption discourages support from international allies. It leaves me questioning whether the leaks that were previously dismissed as Russian propaganda may actually hold some truth.
Ukraine desperately requires more Western military assistance, but Zaluzhnyi’s dismissal could fuel uncertainty among our allies. I hope that the US, UK, and European countries will intervene and carefully consider the potential disastrous consequences of such a decision.
While I respect Zelenskyy’s position as the President, it’s important to remember that he initially denied the invasion, whereas Zaluzhnyi understood the situation. Firing Zaluzhnyi for being honest is a huge red flag and raises concerns about Zelenskyy’s judgment.
In conclusion, replacing Ukraine’s top military commander is a very bad move. Zaluzhnyi has proven himself to be a genius commander who genuinely cares for the troops. His dismissal could potentially lead to defeat for Ukraine. It is my hope that those in power will reconsider and understand the gravity of their decision. We need leaders who prioritize the well-being of the country and its people, rather than getting addicted to power.