Russia said Wednesday that Ukraine’s leaders were split after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly attempted to convince his popular armed forces head, Valery Zaluzhny, to step down.
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, told journalists in Moscow that reports of the attempted dismissal highlighted “growing differences” between Ukraine’s civilian and military leadership.
Rumours circulated in Ukrainian media this week that Zelensky was preparing to remove Zaluzhny, who has overseen the armed forces since before Russia’s 2022 invasion.
According to various sources, Zaluzhny would be replaced by Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence.
According to sources in Zelensky’s office and entourage, the president met with commander-in-chief Zaluzhny on Monday and suggested that he step down and prepare a letter of resignation.
Zaluzhny was given another position, either as an advisor or ambassador, according to several accounts.
He opposed the suggestion, but the president did not remove him, according to Zn.ua.
Zelensky’s office disputed plans to remove Zaluzhny, and the country’s defense minister stated the rumors were “not true” in a social media post.
Zelensky has not commented on the reports, which some have interpreted as a leak to gauge public sentiment on the prospect of a change in military command.
Differences between the two leaders came to light last year, when Zaluzhny suggested the battle had reached a stalemate in a high-profile interview with The Economist.
Zelensky publicly refuted the allegation, indicating the beginning of a schism between the president and his commander-in-chief.
Peskov said in Moscow on Wednesday that the potential standoff was unavoidable given Ukraine’s bogged-down armed forces.
“It’s clear that the failed counteroffensive and challenges on the front lines are causing major divisions among Kyiv regime representatives – both military and civilian.
“These differences will grow as Russia’s special operation continues to succeed,” he warned, using Moscow’s favored language for the invasion.
Neither side has achieved major territorial gains in almost a year.