With prospect of getting additional aid from the United States dying-up and Washington’s shift of focus from Ukraine to Asia, Ukraine grapples with the ongoing conflict with Russia and the impending end of Joe Biden’s presidency, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is clearly is in dilemma. He also faces threats of revolt or coup d’état where recently sacked commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces – General Valery Zaluzhny and his loyal officers are in suspected list. To avoid such consequences, in a surprising move, Zelensky has appointed Zaluzhny as the country’s new ambassador to the United Kingdom, a decision that has raised eyebrows both domestically and internationally. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has formally requested approval from London for Zaluzhny’s appointment, framing it as a positive step towards strengthening bilateral relations between Kiev and London.
In an announcement, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said it has already informed London about the development and has formally requested approval from London.
“The President of Ukraine approved the candidacy of Valery Zaluzhny for the post of Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United Kingdom”, the ministry said in a short statement.
Zelensky himself has defended the appointment, emphasizing Zaluzhny’s purported desire to pursue diplomacy. However, the decision to sideline Zaluzhny comes on the heels of his dismissal as the country’s top general, with Zelensky citing the need for “new approaches” and “new strategies” in the conflict with Russia.
Volodymyr Zelensky himself elaborated on the matter in a video address, insisting the appointment of Zaluzhny would only benefit relations between Kiev and London and that their ties “should only get stronger”.
“Zaluzhny told me that this is the direction he would like to take – diplomacy”, the Volodymyr Zelensky claimed.
The appointment of Zaluzhny as ambassador to the UK is not without controversy. The general’s replacement, General Aleksandr Syrsky, has a questionable reputation among the military, earning the moniker “The Butcher” for his commanding style during decisive defeats suffered by Ukrainian forces in battles such as the defense of Artyomovsk.
The firing of Zaluzhny came after a conflict between the commander-in-chief and Zelensky that had been rumored for months. The two had been reportedly disagreeing over military priorities, while Zelensky had also allegedly grown wary of the popular general, regarding him as a potential political opponent.
Speculation abounds regarding Zelensky’s motives behind the appointment. Some analysts view it as a strategic maneuver to isolate Zaluzhny and prevent him from posing a political challenge. By sending him abroad, Zelensky may hope to sever Zaluzhny’s ties with loyal officers and soldiers, effectively neutralizing any potential threat.
However, others view the appointment as a potential liability for Zelensky. Controversies surrounding Zaluzhny could lead to London rejecting his appointment, forcing Zelensky to seek alternative diplomatic postings for the former general. Analysts suggest that Zelensky may redirect Zaluzhny’s appointment to African or Asian nations if London refuses to accept him.
Amidst these speculations and conspiracy theories, the fate of General Zaluzhny remains uncertain. Whether he will assume the role of Ukrainian ambassador to the UK or face rejection and reassignment to another diplomatic post remains to be seen.
In the complex scenario of Ukrainian politics and international relations, Zelensky’s diplomatic gambit with General Zaluzhny adds another layer of intrigue to an already volatile situation.
