Zelensky said other commanders are being considered for promotion, as several generals are expected to be ousted alongside Zalozny. Zelensky said he asked Zalozny to stay on as part of the “Ukrainian future state team.”
In posts on Zelenskyy and Zalozny's social media accounts, the two men appeared shaking hands and smiling. “A decision was made about the need to change the approach and strategy,” Zalozny wrote.
Zelensky said in his post that he “thanked” Zalozny (50 years old) for “protecting Ukraine for two years.” He added that during their meeting on Thursday, they discussed the “updated command” of the Ukrainian army.
“The time has come for such a modernization,” Zelensky wrote.
It is unclear how Sersky's appointment will change what has become an increasingly precarious situation for Ukraine on the battlefield. Russia regained the strategic initiative and increased its attacks along the front line. Commanders said they were severely short of troops, especially infantry, who stand in most of the forward trenches and fend off Russian attacks. Ukraine is also facing an ammunition shortage, as President Biden's proposed $60 billion security aid package has stalled in Congress.
