Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is contemplating the dismissal of armed forces Commander-in-Chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, which has raised concerns among soldiers fighting against Russia. Many soldiers on the eastern front believe that replacing Zaluzhnyi in the midst of battle is inappropriate. They argue that changing commanders at this critical time could have a significant impact on the ongoing conflict.
Zaluzhnyi is widely regarded as a hero by most Ukrainians due to the impressive victories against Russia in 2022. However, some soldiers also acknowledge the failure of last year’s counter-offensive. Despite this, they believe Zaluzhnyi’s track record outweighs any shortcomings.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a 31-year-old anti-tank unit commander, known by the call sign Tiger, expressed his reservations about the potential dismissal. Tiger’s brigade, the 59th, is stationed in the eastern Donetsk region near Avdiivka, a town heavily targeted by Russia.
The soldier emphasized that the choice of Zaluzhnyi’s successor is crucial. Popular opinion among soldiers is that the replacement should be someone with a hands-on approach, who has been actively involved in the ongoing conflict. They argue that such commanders have a better understanding of the challenges faced by the soldiers on the front line.
In addition to the qualities of the future commander, soldiers also emphasize the need for fresh replacement troops and a larger supply of drones. These are issues Zaluzhnyi himself has pushed for in the past, and soldiers hope that any changes in leadership will address these concerns.
A recent poll conducted in December 2023 showed that the majority of Ukrainians (72%) view the potential dismissal of Zaluzhnyi negatively. Only a small percentage (2%) saw it as a positive development. However, soldiers were cautious about expressing their opinions publicly due to the ongoing dispute between their commander-in-chief and the president, who also heads the armed forces.
Although soldiers refrained from openly criticizing the potential decision, some expressed their support for Zaluzhnyi. Mykola, a 59-year-old commanding a GRAD rocket launcher truck, felt that Zaluzhnyi was being pulled into a political dispute. He stressed that the armed forces had achieved significant successes in 2022 and suggested that any setbacks in 2023 were not solely due to Zaluzhnyi’s management skills.
The disagreement between Zelenskiy and Zaluzhnyi has primarily revolved around the issue of mobilization. Zelenskiy proposed recruiting up to 500,000 men in 2024, a decision that the president reportedly opposes. However, the government has submitted a draft law to parliament aimed at tightening military recruitment.
Soldiers in the Donetsk region, many of whom volunteered with the expectation that the conflict would be over within two years, expressed their unwillingness to bear the entire burden of the conflict. They argue that the need for mobilization is essential due to the country’s shortage of soldiers compared to the enemy forces.
While soldiers acknowledge the necessity of mobilization, they also highlight the challenges caused by the loss of many soldiers and the gaps in the ranks that remain unfilled. Some soldiers, like Mykola, plan to retire once they reach the age of 60, following the current rules. However, they express sympathy for younger soldiers who lack this option.
The ongoing conflict has reminded soldiers that the entire country of Ukraine is at war and not solely those who have been fighting on the front line for the past two years. They stress the importance of making changes that will improve the situation rather than worsening it, urging the government to consider the consequences of any decision made in this critical period.
