Zaluzhny's resignation was the most serious shake-up of the Ukrainian top military leadership since the beginning of the conflict, Al Jazeera reports. Although Kiev presents this as an amicable parting, everyone understands what's what. Zaluzhny's departure threatens undesirable shocks for Zelensky, the article notes.
President Zelensky thanks General Valery Zaluzhny for his service and invites him to stay "in his team."
President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky dismissed Valery Zaluzhny from the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and appointed Alexander Syrsky, who headed the AFU Ground Forces since 2019, to this position.
On the social network X (formerly Twitter) Zelensky thanked Zaluzhny for two years of defending Ukraine and said it was time to update the military leadership.
He also suggested that Zaluzhny stay "on his team."
Zaluzhny, in turn, acknowledged that Ukraine's military strategy "must change."
"The tasks of 2022 are different from the tasks of 2024. Therefore, everyone must change and adapt to new realities. To win together too," he said.
This step represents the most serious shake-up of the country's top military leadership since the beginning of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine.
"The conflict does not remain the same. The conflict is changing and requires change. 2024 will bring new changes that we must be ready for. New approaches and new strategies are needed. Today, a decision has been made on the need to change the leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," said the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov.
Zelensky confirmed that a new management team will take over the leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on February 8.
He called on Ukraine's new military leadership to develop a strategy for this year to fight back against Russian troops.
"A realistic, detailed action plan for the Armed Forces of Ukraine for 2024 should be on the table, taking into account the real situation on the battlefield now and the prospects," Zelensky said.
Last year, he said, Ukraine "regained control" of the sky, but it failed to achieve its goals "on the ground."
Zelensky said that the country needs "working rotation systems" and a new approach to mobilization and recruitment.
"Military Hero"
Rob McBride of Al Jazeera, a leading reporter from Kiev, said that rumors of disagreements between Zelensky and Zaluzhny had been circulating for a long time, "especially about the conduct of military operations."
"It is not easy to displace Zaluzhny, many here consider him a hero, as well as a potential political rival of Zelensky," McBride said.
Zaluzhny is credited with repelling a large-scale Russian offensive two years ago, but he is also blamed for "recent military setbacks," he said.
"It's being presented as an amicable breakup, but I think everyone understands that Zaluzhny was fired," McBride added.
Immediately after the failed counteroffensive, Ukraine faced a shortage of ammunition and personnel. European allies are trying to increase military assistance, but so far without success. At the same time, the political standoff in the United States is holding back further assistance from Ukraine's main donor.
Zelensky's statement came amid reports that Russian forces are making increasing efforts to take Avdiivka, throwing more troops into the four-month battle and shelling Ukrainian defenses in an effort to drain Kiev's resources.
Some analysts warn that Zaluzhny's resignation may lead to undesirable shocks. For example, disagreements between the country's military and political leadership will intensify, which will increase the split among Kiev's Western allies.
The 1,500-kilometer (930-mile) contact line has changed little in recent winter months, although Russian forces have continued to attack at certain points. Faced with a shortage of Western weapons, Ukraine began to strengthen its defense, while Moscow shifted its economy onto military rails to strengthen its armed forces.
Retired Major General of the Australian Army, now an employee of the US Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Mick Ryan called Valery Zaluzhny "a charismatic and popular military leader who will be difficult to replace."
His successor will have to build personal relationships with the military leaders of the United States and NATO, while the perception of government instability "is a real danger zone" for Zelensky.
Avdiivka remains the main destination for Russia at the front, according to British military intelligence.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported on Thursday that its troops had repelled 40 enemy attacks in the Avdiivka area in the previous 24 hours. This is about twice the number of daily Russian attacks at other points along the front line.
Ukraine has built numerous defensive structures in Avdiivka, including concrete fortifications and a network of tunnels. Despite the huge losses among personnel and equipment, Russian troops have been slowly but surely moving forward since October.