On the evening of February 8, Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Valerii Zaluzhnyi from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The European Union commented on the Ukrainian leader's decision.
The EU reacted to Zaluzhnyi's resignment
The European Commission stated that this internal decision of Ukraine and the EU will continue to provide the necessary support.
It was reported by the spokeswoman of the EC for foreign affairs and security, Nabila Massrali.
For the European Union, it does not matter who will lead Ukraine's armed forces. Changing the commander-in-chief is an internal decision of Ukraine and the president's prerogative.
N. Massrali
EC spokeswoman
The spokeswoman of the European Commission reminded of the steadfast support of Ukraine by the European Union.
We are ready to support Ukraine as long as it is needed, and we will provide everything necessary, regardless of who will lead the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Zaluzhnyu was dismissed from the position of Commander-in-Chief
On February 8, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Valerii Zaluzhnyi discussed the need to renew the leadership.
Later, the resignation of Zaluzhnyi and the appointment of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi became known.
Valerii Zaluzhnyi noted that the conversation with the president was important and serious. He said that the tasks of 2022 are different from those of 2024, and it is necessary to adapt to new realities to win.
In particular, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasised that he should have a realistic, detailed action plan for the Armed Forces of Ukraine for 2024 on his table, considering the current situation on the battlefield and prospects. In addition, specific changes must be reflected directly on the front line.
He also reported on the renewal of the leadership of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which is required by the challenges of time and war in 2024. He named the military men being considered for leadership positions in the army.
At the same time, the Ukrainian leader conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine on the former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi. It is noted that Valerii Zaluzhnyi received the title of Hero for outstanding services to the country. For Ukrainians, the "iron general" has long been an indisputable Hero, but now he has received this status officially.
