Tensions Between Ukraine s Zelensky, Top General Spark Worry in the West and on the Front Line – WSJ

Western officials and Ukrainian soldiers are warning that rising tensions between President Volodymyr Zelensky and his top general could hamper the country s war effort against Russia.

The strains flared into view this week with speculation in Ukrainian political circles and news media that Zelensky was planning to dismiss Gen. Valeriy Zaluzhniy, the commander in chief of Ukraine s armed forces. A spokesman for Zelensky said Monday that the general hadn t been dismissed, while Zaluzhniy posted a selfie with an aide wearing matching Army Ukraine sweaters. Neither responded to requests for comment Wednesday.

Western officials say the relationship might be irreparable and the eventual dismissal of Zaluzhniy inevitable. The tensions add to problems for Ukraine, including challenges on the battlefield after the failure of a counteroffensive last year aimed at taking back some of the nearly 20% of its territory that is under occupation.

via www.wsj.com

So at this dinner and auction that LWJ and I went to for the Azov Battalion about a year ago now, there was a lot of laudatory talk about Zaluzhniy but not a word about Zelensky. One guy there who spoke to us had been at the siege of the Azovstal steel works, ultimately under orders surrendered to the Russians, was tortured hideously and finally released in a prisoner exchange. He liked Zaluzhniy.