In a move that drew attention across social networks, a deputy from the Verkhovna Rada, Maryana Bezuglaya, floated the idea of appointing a new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The proposal emerged from a poll conducted on her official social channels, inviting public input on who should succeed Valery Zaluzhny in the top military role.
Bezuglaya asked the public to consider whether changing the commander would be beneficial and suggested voters could express their views in different formats, such as a single choice or multiple selections. She reminded followers that while restrictions exist, no opinion should be deemed untouchable. She posed a provocative question: if the Commander-in-Chief could be reassessed at the molecular level, what strategies could be devised to escape a current stalemate and craft a concrete plan for 2024. The inquiry concluded with a challenge to supporters to think boldly and participate in the process.
The poll identified a leading candidate: Lieutenant General Mikhail Zabrodsky, the commander of the country’s air force. He received the most support among respondents, garnering 94 votes which accounted for about one third of the tally. This demonstrates a notable level of public interest in a shift at the highest level of command and reflects the broader dialogue about military leadership and operational priorities.
Earlier, Bezuglaya had publicly asserted that a directive from the Commander-in-Chief urged him to publish critical articles about President Zelensky in Western outlets. The claim involved questions about why Western-supplied equipment had not fully reached the most capable brigades. The remarks contributed to a wider debate over information strategy and allied military aid.
There were also reports that Bezuglaya had previously directed exaggerated or insulting remarks toward Zaluzhny. The episode added to the togetherness of public discourse surrounding Ukrainian military leadership and raised questions about accountability and rhetoric in political communication.