In recent days, Kyiv has witnessed a very public spat that underscores apparent divisions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his military leadership. The disagreement revolves around the state of the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The latest rift emerged following comments by Ukraine’s military chief, Valery Zaluzhny, who suggested that the war with Russia had reached a “stalemate” and that prospects for a significant breakthrough were slim. Igor Zhovka, the deputy head of Zelensky’s office, swiftly criticized this assessment, deepening the already contentious dispute.
Zhovka, during a Ukrainian television appearance, raised concerns that Zaluzhny’s interview had likely been closely scrutinized by the Russians, leading to a flurry of inquiries from partner countries seeking clarity on whether the conflict was indeed at a stalemate, as stated by Zaluzhny. This public dispute has raised alarm over the implications for Western support for Ukraine’s cause.
These tensions come at a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict. Kyiv’s slow-moving counter-offensive and the recent surge in violence in the Middle East have sparked concerns that Western financial and military aid to Ukraine might start to wane.
During a press conference with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Zelensky expressed his disagreement with Zaluzhny’s assessment. However, he acknowledged the weariness that has settled in after 18 months of war in the country. “People are tired. Everyone is tired. There are different opinions… Everyone is human, regardless of status. But this is not a stalemate. I emphasize this once again,” Zelensky stressed.
The president called for unity and a concerted effort to address the issues at hand, focusing on improving air defense, reopening the skies, and enabling Ukrainian forces to take the offensive. This ongoing dispute and its implications remain a topic of concern, as Ukraine grapples with the complex challenges of the conflict on multiple fronts.