“Zaluzhnyi has been released. The biggest mistake since the full-scale invasion has been made. A blow to stability has been struck. With our own hands.” Opinion.
Unfortunately, this was the recipe for Ukraine's in all previous wars with Russia. Unfortunately, this is exactly how Ukrainian leaders behaved 100 years ago. And the key here is not someone's political ambitions, because this is actually a personal problem, but the risks that are created for the state. For the stability of the country during the war for survival. When, it would seem, any political jealousies and ambitions should fade into the background. At least for responsible statesmen.
And, of course, there will be no Maidan now. Because the Maidan is created by citizens, and responsible citizens understand that any unrest is unacceptable during war. And of course, we cannot afford a military junta. However, the release of Zaluzhny creates a number of risks that will affect the country in the medium and long term. Because during a long war, against the backdrop of fatigue, it is important that the army has a leader at its head whom it trusts. And Zaluzhny was such. Because there are many difficult months ahead, when we will have painstaking work and many losses, and there will be no miracles. There will be many decisions that will raise doubts. And it is necessary that the army goes through the entire war with a high level of trust in those who make these decisions.
And at this moment, it is not very wise to dismiss a person with trust and take full responsibility against the background of undermined trust in oneself. Responsibility for defeats, because society expects an unconditional victory and any result that can be achieved will be perceived as insufficient. For compromises, because all wars end with agreements, even if they are not concluded directly between the warring parties. And all because of political jealousy. Actually, if the country holds out, if it does not undermine Ukraine's ability to hold back, then such a step definitely makes Zaluzhny the favorite of any subsequent presidential elections. Especially since it already creates the image of a martyr, which Ukrainians love so much.
This is an emotional, not a rational decision. An emotional decision that the country cannot afford. As a result, it not only carries risks for the country, but is also destructive to Zelensky's political future. It nullifies all the important things that Zelensky personally did in the first year of the war.
And yes, Zelensky has the legal right to dismiss Zaluzhny . And he used this right. But in addition to legality, there is also the concept of legitimacy. Is such a decision legitimate in the eyes of society? Especially when it is known that this decision was the result not of professional disputes, but of political jealousy? The question is rhetorical. And yes, the conflicts between Zelensky and Zaluzhny created a too toxic atmosphere and did not contribute to the effective work of the Armed Forces. But there were always two ways out. Not only the bad one that was chosen. But also the adult one. When people step on the throat with their desires and emotions. They pull themselves together. And until the end of the war they work. Holding back emotions. Unfortunately, there were not enough adults in this room. Unfortunately, a reasonable decision was not made.
And so, if I were a Russian agent of influence, then in the last few months I would have managed to do the almost impossible. Simultaneously provoke a confrontation between the authorities and journalists, business, and now the military. Only political repression is not enough. An attack on journalists, an attack on business, the dismissal of a military man with the greatest credit of trust. And this is against the background of social fatigue and the need to maintain the support of our Western partners. Bingo.
When society fell into a psychological hole at the end of 2023, there were fears that people would start doing something that would harm the state. Society held out. Society showed maturity. But it turned out that it wasn't society that we had to worry about.
Someone will benefit from Zaluzhny's release. His name is Volodymyr. But not Zelensky.
Today, we all lost in Ukraine. Only Putin won.
