Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the country's former top general and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, as the new ambassador to Great Britain. This decision, expressed as a personal desire by General Zaluzhny himself, comes after a military medical examination found him unfit for military service. Ukraine's Foreign Minister described the appointment as a logical step, amidst discussions that Zelensky is considering dismissing Foreign Minister Kuleba. The move has been interpreted by some as Zelensky's strategic play to reduce Zaluzhnyi's political standing while managing the country's military and diplomatic affairs.
“General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the former Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, underwent a military medical examination in the winter, before his appointment as ambassador to the United Kingdom, where he was found unfit for military service.” https://t.co/wcep7kLLvA
Zelensky outplayed Zaluzhnyi, if not killing, then definitely lowering the general’s political standing. Appointing him ambassador to the UK & discharging him as a man “unfit for military service” is brutal. Yet, it might be that the president was the only one playing politics.
Zelensky Appoints Fired Defense Chief As New Ambassador To UK https://t.co/fKDG1qi9Mm
🇺🇦🚨‼️ Zelensky is considering dismissing Foreign Minister Kuleba. https://t.co/R5ZkSNuCcw
✉️ Our weekly digest is out! This week’s highlights: General Zaluzhnyi appointed ambassador to the UK 🇬🇧, government’s political tensions w. ex-President Poroshenko, details of bilateral security deals with 7 countries & preparations to re-open an airport in 🇺🇦🛫. 🧵
☕️ Very logical step – Ukraine's Foreign Minister on appointment of former Commander-in-Chief as ambassador https://t.co/zkMTD2uzI1
👀 It was the desire of General Zaluzhny himself to work in the diplomatic direction, — Zelensky https://t.co/H8OQYxZep8
Ukraine’s former top general set to become Great Britain ambassador @FT live news: https://t.co/cl0tj7JcNB