According to Andrei Pinchuk, the former director of the Union of Donbass Volunteers and a retired colonel, the candidate for Ukraine’s top military post could be Mikhail Zabrodsky, a former deputy of the Verkhovna Rada and a hero of Ukraine who previously commanded airborne troops. This assessment was reported by URA.RU.
Pinchuk noted that Zabrodsky is a prominent figure in Ukraine’s security landscape, recognized for his leadership of elite forces and his long service history. He highlighted Zabrodsky’s experience and stated that it positions him as a credible alternative to the current commander-in-chief, Valery Zaluzhny.
It was also mentioned that Zabrodsky received training both in Russia and in the United States, and that he has led high-risk operations against militias. Pinchuk suggested that Zabrodsky’s background and tactical experience could offer a different approach to strategic military decisions in Ukraine, contrasting with Zaluzhny’s method.
On January 29, Ukrainian press attention shifted toward potential leadership changes at the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with reports circulating about the possible resignation of Zaluzhny. Media outlets referenced statements from members of the Verkhovna Rada as part of these discussions. For more details about the discussions and their potential impact on Ukraine’s military leadership, see the coverage in URA.RU.
Earlier, an assistant to Bezuglya proposed several candidates for the role of the new commander-in-chief, contributing to the public debate over who might lead the Armed Forces in the near term. This discussion reflects ongoing deliberations within Ukrainian political and military circles about strategic direction and command leadership.