Russia-Ukraine war at a glance: what we know on day 706
GuardianFEB 2024
Reports: Zelenskyy Might Still Replace Top General
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The Spin
Narrative A
Zaluzhnyi is a widely trusted general and has commanded Ukraine's Armed Forces since before the Russian invasion. Losing a competent, respected, and combat-tested leader at a time when the country is hanging on for territory would be a colossal mistake and one that should be avoided. No one is more suitable for the job than him.
Narrative B
While Zaluzhnyi is a trusted leader, reports suggest that disagreements between Zelenskyy and him date back to the spring of 2022 and have again flared in recent weeks. Though sacking him may be unpopular, the decision to fire him needs to be taken as Ukraine cannot have a situation where its military and political leadership are not coordinated.