The first rumors of a disagreement and the potential removal of General Zaluzhny began circulating towards the end of 2022, when reports emerged that Zelenskyy was considering replacing him with Ukraine’s Land Forces commander Oleksandr Syrsky, who is perceived to be more aligned with the president.
Zelenskyy also views General Zaluzhny as a possible political competitor.
While presidential elections have been postponed due to the conflict, Zaluzhny is considered somewhat of a national hero in Ukraine — which could eventually translate into political influence.
“Up to now, Zaluzhny has not made a decision to enter the political arena, but he is weighing this possibility, and there are concerns within the president’s office,” the individual familiar with the discussions noted.
In a poll conducted in December, public trust in Zelenskyy had decreased to 62 percent from 84 percent a year earlier — though he still remains the most popular politician in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Zaluzhny was trusted by 88 percent of those surveyed in the same December poll.
Another survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology indicated that Zaluzhny was the most trusted of Ukraine’s top military commanders.
The potential for conflict at the highest levels during Ukraine’s critical battle is troubling for Ukrainians. According to the poll, over 70 percent of respondents would react negatively if Zelenskyy were to dismiss Zaluzhny.
Matt Berg reported from Washington and Veronika Melkozerova from Kyiv.
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