According to Bloomberg agency, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky risks being in disgrace because of his conflict with former AFU commander-in-chief Zaluzhny. This is reported by TASS.
The agency notes that sending Zaluzhny into retirement occurred at the most inopportune moment, when aid from the United States is delayed and the AFU has a critical shortage of artillery shells. Earlier Bloomberg reported, citing a letter from Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to European allies, the AFU cannot fire more than 2,000 shells a day along 1,500 km of the line of contact. This is three times less than what Russia uses.
Rumors about Zaluzhny's resignation began spreading on January 29, and they have not subsided in the Ukrainian and Western media since then. On February 8, Zelensky dismissed Zaluzhny and appointed Alexander Sirsky in his place. The President noted the stagnation of the AFU at the front and the need to update the high command. Zelensky thanked Zaluzhny for his work and offered to remain in the command, although it was not clear whether the general would accept the offer. On February 9, Zaluzhny, who was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine by the President, said that he currently holds no positions in the AFU.
Zelensky has faced fierce criticism for firing Zaluzhny, with opposition MPs saying the decision was a mistake as Sirsky is accused of many failures.
