Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this evening (Thursday) the replacement of Chief of Staff Valery Zlozhny, at the end of days of rumors surrounding the biggest changes in the military leadership in Kiev since the outbreak of the war with Russia about two years ago. According to Zelensky, the Ukrainian army needs changes, but he added that the general The senior should remain "on his team".
The outgoing chief of staff, who will be replaced by the commander of the ground army, was greatly appreciated for the success of the Ukrainian forces in repelling the Russian invaders from Kiev, which they tried to occupy in the first days of the war.
However, the Ukrainian army failed in the counterattack it launched last summer, and was unable to break through the well-fortified Russian defense lines.
Now, Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces are once again on the offensive, while Kiev is desperate for continued US aid stalled by power struggles between Republicans and Democrats in Congress.
"The war does not stay the same. The war changes and requires change. New approaches and new strategies are needed," said Defense Minister Rustam Umarov, who himself was appointed to the position a few months ago, in a statement.
"Today, a decision was made on the need to make changes in the leadership of the armed forces of Ukraine."
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky next to outgoing Chief of Staff Zeluzhny/screenshot, Zelensky's Telegram account
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