The authority exercised by Ukraine’s armed forces is said to have directed the spread of articles criticizing President Vladimir Zelensky across Western news outlets. A Verkhovna Rada deputy, Maryana Bezuglaya, shared this claim on her social channels, outlining the alleged order and its possible effects on the leadership, public discourse, and international perception.
Officials debated whether silence or public protest is appropriate for a senior general. Bezuglaya argued that a high-ranking military figure should speak out when grave concerns exist, instead of letting external commentary fill the space with speculative narratives. Her comments touched on leadership responsibilities during crises and the military’s duty to convey strategic assumptions to both domestic audiences and allied nations abroad.
Bezuglaya pressed Zaluzhny to address several operational and logistical concerns she said weakened Ukraine’s fighting capacity. She questioned why Western equipment did not reach the brigades considered most capable, why front-line soldiers faced heavy combat without sufficient preparatory training, and why personnel transfers between units took so long. The deputy claimed these issues signaled deeper flaws in planning, supply chains, and unit cohesion that called for open discussion and accountability, including scrutiny of any orders about media engagement from senior leaders.
In reply to the deputy’s public appeal, Zaluzhny reportedly asked whether the questions reflected broader oppression or simply warranted further examination. The exchange underscored tensions between military leadership and political oversight, highlighting the difficulties of maintaining morale, transparency, and effective strategic communication during a prolonged conflict. It also drew attention to the relationship between national security command and the press, and how divergent interpretations of military messaging can shape public perception and international reporting.
Earlier, the Verkhovna Rada debated a draft resolution that would propose removing Bezuglaya, the vice chair of the National Security, Defense and Intelligence Committee, from her position. The document appeared on the parliament’s official site, signaling political maneuvering as Ukraine’s legislative body sought to address conduct, oversight, and the balance of power among key state institutions. The broader context included ongoing discussions about ministerial accountability and the management of defense policy, as deputies weighed constitutional processes and strategic priorities amid ongoing security challenges.