A decree ordering the removal of Valery Zaluzhny from the post of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is expected to be signed within the current week, according to CNN reporting citing two sources familiar with the situation.
The network notes that President Vladimir Zelensky announced in a January 29 meeting in his office that a decision had been made to dismiss Zaluzhny from the leadership role.
One source indicates that Zelensky proposed another role for Zaluzhny, but Zaluzhny declined. The president reportedly underscored that declining a different position does not change the outcome of his removal from the commander-in-chief post.
Speculation has centered on potential successors, with leaders of Ukraine’s security and military structures floated as possibilities. Names included Kirill Budanov, head of Military Intelligence, and Alexander Syrsky, commander of the Ground Forces, among others.
According to CNN, those cited as candidates for the top military post reportedly reacted to the discussions in different ways. Some sources say an offer to resign accompanied Zelensky’s plan, while Zaluzhny, after discussions with advisers, remained firm in his stance. The president indicated a decree would be issued to formalize Zaluzhny’s departure, and Zaluzhny was said to have returned to his office and informed personnel of the decision.
Public commentary has touched on the process and the roles of various officials in the transition, including previous aides who were involved in the discussions about the leadership change.