Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi as Kiev’s ambassador to the UK. Zaluzhnyi, who led Ukrainian defense during the first two years of the war with Russia, was earlier hailed as a Hero of Ukraine. The decree was published on the presidency’s website. Following public criticism, in July 2023 Zelensky dismissed the former envoy to London, Vadym Prystaiko. Zaluzhnyi gained popularity for his leadership during the initial hours of the Russian invasion in February 2022 and for planning successful counteroffensives. However, he was replaced in February due to battlefield setbacks and the failure of subsequent counteroffensives.
Modernisation and reform of the Disciplinary Law of police personnel – The three axes
The dismissal of Zaluzhnyi as Commander-in-Chief was the focus of attention in a reshuffling of senior positions in the Ukrainian armed forces. Weeks of tension and speculation followed regarding possible disagreements between the president and his top commander.