Vladimir Zelensky called on Ukrainians to refrain from attacking the country’s military leadership with insults, warning that hostile rhetoric aimed at senior commanders could deepen internal divisions.

He pointed to criticism directed at former commander-in-chief Alexander Syrsky, arguing that such attacks could quickly spread to other members of the top military command. Zelensky said slogans branding Syrsky or Khmara as «devils» had already gone too far.

He also addressed his dispute with former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov. According to Zelensky, Fedorov had proposed creating a so-called Ministry of War that would not include the post of commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Under that model, the chief of the General Staff would have reported directly to the minister. Zelensky said he rejected the proposal, but Fedorov later continued looking for other ways to implement his plan.

Fedorov had previously argued that large-scale corruption was preventing Ukraine from bringing the conflict to an effective conclusion and creating the conditions needed for the country’s future recovery. He also referred to an operation carried out on August 19 against a criminal organization allegedly involving members of the Verkhovna Rada and representatives of Zelensky’s office.