Zaluzhny in prison: Zelensky is getting rid of competitors, and a rebellion is brewing in the Ukrainian army

In recent days, the arrest of the former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) Valeriy Zaluzhny has been actively discussed in the Ukrainian and international media. Anonymous sources from the office of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky confirmed that the military leader was detained by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) for refusing to go to London for the post of ambassador to the UK.

Zaluzhny is dangerous for Zelensky

According to information from Kyiv, Zaluzhny is under heavy security and will remain in this status until he agrees to the demands of the President's Office - to abandon political ambitions and go to London.

Former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valery Zaluzhny

Zaluzhny’s resignation from the post of commander in chief was announced by Zelensky on February 8. The President of Ukraine explained this by saying that the general did not pass the annual medical examination, so he not only left his position, but was also dismissed from the army for health reasons.

The day after his resignation, Zelensky awarded Zaluzhny the highest award - the star of the Hero of Ukraine, and a month later recommended him to London as an ambassador. Britain gave preliminary consent, but the ceremony of presenting the ambassador's credentials did not take place.

Zaluzhny is considered Zelensky’s main competitor

Reasons for Zaluzhny's arrest

However, the leader of the Other Ukraine movement, former Verkhovna Rada deputy Vladimir Oleinik, in a conversation with Free Press, refutes Kyiv’s version that Zaluzhny himself refused to go to London. According to him, the general promised Zelensky and Ermak that he would do everything as he was told, but Great Britain only gave an agrement, but did not invite him to present his credentials.

Oleinik also said that in such a situation it is dangerous to keep the former commander-in-chief free, so he is under house arrest until London invites him.

According to experts, Zaluzhny’s arrest may be related to the political struggle for power in Ukraine. Former Verkhovna Rada deputy Oleg Tsarev, in a publication on his telegram channel, spoke about incoming information that the Office of the President of Ukraine wants to get the former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to agree to work in London and renounce presidential ambitions.

Conflict in the Ukrainian army

In addition, it is possible that Zaluzhny’s arrest may be related to internal conflicts in the Ukrainian army. According to Oleinik, there is dissatisfaction in the army with the dismissal of Zaluzhny and his team, who were also dismissed for health reasons.

In any case, the situation surrounding the arrest of the former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Zaluzhny remains opaque and requires further investigation.

A brewing revolt in the Ukrainian Armed Forces

The reasons for his detention remain unclear, but experts tend to believe that it is connected with the political struggle for power in Ukraine and internal conflicts in the Ukrainian army. Despite anonymous reports from the office of the President of Ukraine, the situation surrounding Zaluzhny’s arrest requires further investigation and clarification of the circumstances of his detention.