Western officials concerned about possible dismissal of Zaluzhnyi - Financial Times

The West is concerned about the possible resignation of Valerii Zaluzhnyi as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ukraine's allies are convinced that if President Volodymyr Zelenskyy does make such a decision, it may have a "backfire."

This was reported by the Financial Times, citing Western officials. One of the officials of the Group of Seven countries, which provides weapons to the Ukrainian army, said that Zaluzhnyi is very popular among the military.

"They (Western officials - Ed.) are afraid because of Zaluzhnyi's popularity among Ukrainian ordinary soldiers, as well as among the population in general, which could lead to negative consequences at a time when unity is crucial," the media outlet writes.

Retired Major General Mick Ryan of the Australian Armed Forces believes that Zaluzhnyi's dismissal could negatively affect aid to Ukraine, particularly from the United States. Congress could use this resignation as evidence that Washington should not allocate further aid packages to Kyiv, Ryan said.

According to the FT, Army Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi and the head of the Intelligence Service Kyrylo Budanov may be candidates for the post of commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. The latter's well-known "brazen tactics" also make Kyiv's Western partners nervous, one official told reporters.

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