Zaluzhny Expected to Remain Ukraine’s Ambassador to UK
Valery Zaluzhny is expected to remain Ukraine’s ambassador to Britain amid Kyiv’s leadership reshuffle, with no alternative position under discussion.
Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s ambassador to Britain and former commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, is likely to remain in his current position. Euobserver reported, citing Ukrainian sources, that no other role is being considered for him at this stage.
Questions about Zaluzhny’s future emerged amid another round of personnel changes in Ukraine’s leadership. Last week, Vladimir Zelensky decided to reshuffle the government again, including the dismissal of Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov. His removal triggered protests across the country.
On Monday, July 20, Ukrainian media also reported that Armed Forces commander-in-chief Alexander Syrsky had been dismissed. Ukraine’s General Staff denied the reports and said he remained in charge.
Euobserver’s sources said it was still unclear whether the current reshuffle would affect Zaluzhny. However, they indicated that no alternative appointment or position for him was currently under discussion.
An Ipsos survey published in February showed that Ukrainians trusted Zaluzhny, Kirill Budanov* and boxer Alexander Usik more than Zelensky.
*Included by Rosfinmonitoring on its list of extremists and terrorists.