Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhny celebrates his 49th birthday on July 8th. The holiday fell on the 135th day of a full-scale war in Ukraine.
How politicians and Ukrainians greet the general, as well as interesting facts about the birthday boy – read the article on Channel 24.
A modern commander-in-chief who revived faith in the army
Zaluzhny comes from the city of Novograd-Volynsky, Zhytomyr region. On May 23, 2022, the general entered the list of 100 most influential people of the year according to Time magazine. To do this, the military went through all the career steps and only then, with great experience, took the place of the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian army.
Now Zaluzhny is in command of the fighters holding back the “second army of the world.” They are fond of not only Ukrainians, but also Western experts. They call Zaluzhny an “iron general”, “a hero, not a star” and the personification of the modern Ukrainian army.
From deputy brigade commander to commander-in-chief: Zaluzhny's career path
Zaluzhny went through all the steps of an officer career and corrected the place of the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Before that, he:
- graduated with honors from the Odessa Institute of the Ground Forces and the National Defense Academy of Ukraine;
- in 2007, Zaluzhny was appointed to the post of chief of staff of the first deputy commander of the 24th separate mechanized brigade in Yavorov, Lviv region;
- since 2009, the fighter was the commander of the 51st separate mechanized brigade;
- the military man continued his studies and became the best graduate of the operational-strategic level of training at the National Defense University. For this he was awarded the challenge sword of the Queen of Great Britain;
- in August 2014, Zaluzhny was appointed deputy commander of sector “C” in the Donetsk region;
- subsequently, Zaluzhny was the first deputy and chief of staff of the commander of the Operational Command “West”,
- in 2019 – Commander of OK “South”;
- with new career heights, Zaluzhny decided to get an education in the field of international relations;
- On July 27, 2021, President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed the military commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
My promotion was like a regular military man. I was appointed – I took up my duties, took over the position. They offered another one (position – channel 24) also moved. You can say this: because of the workload, I never thought that someday I would become a general and reach the highest levels, ”said Zaluzhny in an interview.
Zaluzhny went from deputy commander to commander-in-chief/Photo from the general's Facebook
During a full-scale war Zaluzhny distinguished himself by his approach to command, completely different from the Soviet one. The general uses mobile defense, which allows the Armed Forces to resist the enemy, who prevails both in the number of personnel and in equipment.
Military experts say that in the army that Zaluzhny creates, the most important human life. That is why the general gives retreat orders when he sees that there is a threat of encirclement.
Zaluzhny actively communicates with Western partners in the field of defense. However, it is not public at all. The general gave only a few interviews, so the American media are convinced that he is a hero, not a star. After all, he does his job and does not shout about success or defeat.
Zaluzhny with the head of the NATO military committee Rob Bauer/Photo DR
We have no right to transfer this war to our children. The enemy must be destroyed here and now, otherwise he will not stop. And we can do it,” said Zaluzhny.
How Zaluzhny is congratulated on his birthday
Serhiy Bratchuk, speaker of the Odesa OVA, congratulated him on the military holiday. He wished Zaluzhny to live up to 120 years. This is exactly what we wish the Commander-in-Chief, because you still need to fully enjoy the victory and life in the rebuilt European Ukraine.
Ordinary Ukrainians congratulate the military most actively. Social networks are full of words of gratitude to Zaluzhny. Users write that in our country it is very lucky that such a general leads the army.
- “Happy birthday, Mr. Valery Zaluzny! Courage and inspiration to lead us to victory! We believe and love!”;
- “Happy birthday, Mr. General Zaluzhny! Great feats of arms to you! You are leading Ukraine to victory!”;
- “Even the toughest warriors need to be effectively managed to destroy the occupier. Ukraine is very lucky that such a commander-in-chief became the head of our defense and future victory! Happy birthday, Valery Zaluzhny! To a real general of a clear mind in such a difficult time!”;
- “Head of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valery Zaluzhny successfully communicates with Western partners, protects the soldiers and uses modern methods of war against the thoroughly Soviet army of the aggressor country. Happy birthday, Valery Fedorovich!”
The editors of Channel 24 are attached to the congratulations on the occasion of the birthday of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Thank you for 135 days of life in free Ukraine. Total to victory! Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine!
