Zelensky on Zaluzhnyi's criticism: Now is not time for politics

The Ukrainian president made this comment in an interview with German broadcaster ARD, Ukrinform reports.

"Yes, I heard it. You see, I am a smart person. I believe that now is not the time for politics because we are at war. That is my position. Others have decided otherwise. We are a free country. You just said so yourself. We are fighting for independence and freedom," Zelensky commented on Zaluzhnyi's critical statement about mistakes in planning the counteroffensive.

When asked whether Zaluzhnyi would remain in his position as ambassador, the president replied, “Well, probably.”

At the same time, he added, “Did it seem like I wanted to dismiss him?”

Zelensky emphasized that he respects the Ukrainian army and its actions throughout all phases of the war.

“I respect our army and respect how it fought against Russia in various phases of the war, throughout all these years. I can't say anything more. I don't want to delve deeper into this story. I'm not particularly interested in it,” he said.

When asked by a journalist whether Zaluzhnyi's statement signaled the start of the election process, Zelensky replied, “I don't know, ask him.”

As previously reported, Ukraine's ambassador to the UK and former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, spoke to the Associated Press about his disputes with President Volodymyr Zelensky, particularly the tension that arose in September 2022. He also said that the counteroffensive plan developed together with NATO partners failed because Zelensky and other officials did not allocate the necessary resources.

Photo: Office of the President