Former commander of the US Army in Europe Ben Hodges believes that replacing the top military leadership in Ukraine was a difficult decision for President Vladimir Zelensky.
General Valery Zaluzhny, who resigned as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, was an effective commander who was respected by soldiers, society and Western allies.
— However, the President is responsible for everything, and this is his prerogative — especially in a democratic society: to have in a position a commander who, in his opinion, gives Ukraine the greatest chance of victory, — Hodges believes.
That is why, continues the retired United States Army officer, the Ukrainian leader chose Colonel General Alexander Syrsky. According to the general, Syrsky's appointment will be “an unpleasant surprise” for the occupiers on the battlefield.
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— This is not a beauty contest or a popularity contest. The President selected the officer whom he considered more appropriate for this phase of the war. He (Syrsky — Red.) is a fighter, he has experience, he is tough. And I think that the Russians are not at all happy to see another outstanding commander at the head of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” Hodges concluded.
Appointment of Syrsky as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
On February 8, President Vladimir Zelensky signed decrees according to which he removed Valery Zaluzhny, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and appointed Colonel General Alexander Syrsky to this position.
Before this, the head of state held dozens of conversations with commanders at various levels.
Zelensky noted that an effective rotation system should be built in the army, and the experience of individual combat brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and units of the State Border Service, where such a system exists, can be taken as a basis.
Also, according to the president, there is a need for an obvious improvement in the quality of training of soldiers – only trained soldiers on the first line.
