On the day of the city's liberation from Russian rule, his portrait is tagged on the pink monument in Freedom Square in the center of Kherson.
“God and the ataman Zalouzhny are with us”,
says the inscription offering quasi-godlike status to the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army, who is also compared to the highest military leaders of the mythical Cossacks.
Hailed for his strategic genius after repelling Russian forces from kyiv at the start of Vladimir Putin's offensive, then for having liberated Kharkiv and Kherson in quick succession in a spectacular counter-offensive, Valeri Zaloujny is adored by an entire country.
This non-conformist in uniform is the spearhead of a Ukrainian army, which has defied all predictions since February 24, 2022, by standing up to Russian forces, in a fight of David against Goliath.
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Throughout Ukraine his face lines the walls of towns liberated by the forces of kyiv.
Even in schools.
“Zaluzhny is our hero”,
says…
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