In a recent development, Ukraine’s former armed forces chief, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, publicly backed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s “victory plan” during his first public appearance since his dismissal earlier this year. Despite the tensions that led to his exit in February, Zaluzhnyi expressed his endorsement for the plan, emphasising the importance of Ukraine following the outlined strategy.
Speaking at London’s Chatham House think-tank, Zaluzhnyi highlighted the significance of the plan in strengthening Ukraine’s position before potential negotiations with Russia to end the conflict. The plan, publicly presented by Zelenskyy, includes key points such as a formal invitation for Ukraine to join NATO and permission to use Western-supplied longer-range missiles. However, Kyiv’s allies have shown hesitancy towards these steps so far.
Zaluzhnyi reiterated that NATO membership is crucial for Ukraine’s security, supporting Zelenskyy’s call for the alliance to extend an invitation to Kyiv. He lamented the lack of Western support during Ukraine’s past counter-offensive, which allowed Russia to gain an advantage and form alliances with other powerful nations like North Korea, Iran, and China. He stressed the need for Western assistance in combating these threats.
As the conflict in Ukraine enters its third year, Zaluzhnyi acknowledged the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces against the better-resourced Russian military. He emphasised the importance of reforming recruitment practices to address infantry shortages and improve mobilisation. The former armed forces chief also underscored the urgency of enhancing Ukraine’s human resources capabilities amid the ongoing conflict.
Zaluzhnyi’s dismissal in February came after tensions escalated following Ukraine’s unsuccessful 2023 counter-offensive. Despite criticism, he is widely respected among Ukrainian troops for his past efforts in stalling Russia’s invasion. Zelenskyy’s decision to remove Zaluzhnyi aimed to reinvigorate Ukraine’s efforts in the conflict.
Overall, Zaluzhnyi’s endorsement of Zelenskyy’s “victory plan” marks a significant development in Ukraine’s strategy to address the ongoing conflict with Russia. The former armed forces chief’s insights shed light on the challenges faced by Ukraine and the crucial role of Western support in securing the nation’s future amidst growing threats.