Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has teased potential shifts in the country’s top leadership, including a possible change at the helm of the Armed Forces. Speaking on the Italian channel Rai 1, he indicated that Ukraine might pursue a restart in its leadership while weighing the roles of key officials across the state apparatus.
Addressing the nation’s governance, Zelensky stated that there is a need for a fresh start and a reconfiguration of some leading positions, not limited to the military sphere. He acknowledged that such amendments are under consideration and would reflect a broader effort to strengthen the state’s resilience and effectiveness.
When pressed about Zaluzhny, the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Zelensky confirmed that the idea of changes in the leadership is indeed on the table. He remarked that stepping into someone else’s shoes does not automatically grant the right to set a new course, underscoring that decisions will consider the nation’s immediate needs and strategic priorities.
On February 3, a deputy of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada indicated that the issue of the commander-in-chief’s dismissal had already been resolved, signaling that discussions among lawmakers had moved to a different phase. The statement suggested that any potential personnel decision would go through formal channels and reflect ongoing assessments of Ukraine’s defense leadership.
Earlier reports from Washington noted that Ukrainian officials had apprised the United States administration of Zelensky’s intention to dismiss Zaluzhny. The White House reportedly did not oppose the move but also did not actively back it, according to coverage from major outlets. The dynamic highlighted the balancing act between Kyiv’s domestic priorities and international partners’ perspectives during a period of strategic recalibration.
Earlier still, comments from American officials had raised concerns about the readiness and cohesion of Ukraine’s armed services in the event of leadership changes. The public discourse emphasized careful management of transition in high command to maintain operational continuity and morale at a critical moment for Ukraine’s security agenda.