Analyst Oleksandr Kochetkov notes the emergence of a new political heavyweight — Valery Zaluzhny. This process is already obvious, and if it happens as if by itself, it doesn’t change anything – the result is the same.
A NEW POLITICAL HEAVYWEIGHT HAS EMERGED
Who is talking about what, and a political analyst is talking about politics.
For me, an important political outcome of the year was the emergence of a new potential leader in Ukraine — Valeriy Zaluzhny.
I'm not sure that this is Zaluzhny's conscious position, it may well be that it mostly comes about almost by itself. But it doesn't change the essence. Especially since the commander-in-chief himself neither confirms his political ambitions, nor does he really deny them.
The intrigue is also added by the fact that there are purely political-technological maneuvers around Zaluzhny. In particular, sociological studies that show his high rating. Professionals know well that such studies are also a tool: potential voters automatically gravitate towards high-rated people, begin to involuntarily estimate their future chances, and all that.
Interviews, especially with foreign media, are also a common tool for politicians, because they are a lever of public influence.
At the same time, such a promising leader is also being considered as a possible partner. For example, I completely understand the interest in Valeriy Zaluzhny from the political force of Petro Poroshenko. Because he fits perfectly, without strain, into the concept of the former president's return to power.
There are also quite strange things. For example, the election of Zaluzhny as the Hetman of Ukraine or the naming of him after a star. I don't know why this is necessary, probably someone wants to attract attention to themselves in this way - either Zaluzhny himself or his entourage. But to paraphrase a famous saying - "If they name a star, it means that someone needs it.".
One way or another, but now there are two Valery Zaluzhny in Ukraine: one is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the second is an actual political figure. And therefore his responsibility doubles. As the commander-in-chief, he is responsible for the course of hostilities to repel the aggressor. As a politician, he bears additional responsibility not only for his public actions and words, but also for the actions and words of his entourage and even his supporters. You may not like it, but there is no other way.
It is also an axiom that at some point Valery Zaluzhny will have to decide whether to remain a soldier or become a politician. I hope that this decision will be made this year.
The war against a cruel and powerful enemy — the Russian quasi-empire — carries great risks for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. But as a specialist, I am convinced that the political path is associated with even greater risks — these are the attitude of society to the inevitable mobilization, the emergence of political opponents with their opposition, and many other things, partly frankly dirty, which, unfortunately, modern Ukrainian politics is saturated with.
