Hans van Koningsbrugge, professor of Russian History and Politics at the University of Groningen, gives his commentary on the war in Ukraine every Saturday. Today episode 126.
“The resignation of Valery Zaluzhny, the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army, was imminent. Six weeks ago, a member of Zelensky’s party spread rumors about him, for example that he is a drunkard. If it had not happened with approval from above, that woman would never have dared to say that. So there was already a kind of gossip campaign going on to smear him.
The irritation started a while ago with an interview in which Zaluzhny claimed that there is a stalemate at the front. Zelensky, who wants to radiate optimism outwardly, contradicted that.
I think Zelensky cannot accept that Zaluzhny has political ambitions. There is speculation that he wants to run for president. He is very popular, not only among officers, but also among the population.
‘It’s an ordinary power struggle’
Another internal conflict was about mobilization. Zaluzhny demanded half a million extra soldiers. Zelensky thought that was on the high side. It was then decided to reduce the mobilization age from 27 to 25 years. Zaluzhny had gained something, but apparently Zelensky still wanted to make that sacrifice.
Actually it is an ordinary power struggle. It is also very bad timing, because the Ukrainian army is on the defensive. Zaluzhny’s successor, General Oleksandr Syrsky, has far fewer military successes to his name as commander of the land forces than his predecessor.
‘Zelensky demonstrates disagreement at the top’
It’s an unfortunate move. It is happening at a time when the US Congress is hesitating about granting billions in aid to Ukraine. The Republicans have their reservations. What Zelensky is now demonstrating is disagreement at the top. That is not an action that will win over the Republicans.
Zelensky can also be authoritarian, we know from the biography written about him. Perhaps this is necessary during a war, but a strong leader must also be able to tolerate excellence in his immediate environment. Together they have endured a tough war for two years and then the commander-in-chief is suddenly dropped for political reasons. That is unwise. Zelensky should have kept the ranks closed.”