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Ukraine's Former Army Chief Challenges Zelenskyy Amid Conflict

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine's former army chief and Britain's ambassador, disclosed tensions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over strategy after Russia's 2022 invasion.
He said a September 2022 intelligence raid on his office was an intimidation tactic and a political pretext.
He was dismissed in February 2024 but remains a rival, with polls showing Zaluzhnyi leading Zelenskyy.
The ongoing conflict and internal disputes risk polarizing Ukraine's public opinion as the war continues.

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Story summary

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine's former army chief and Britain's ambassador, disclosed tensions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over strategy after Russia's 2022 invasion.
He said a September 2022 intelligence raid on his office was an intimidation tactic and a political pretext.
He was dismissed in February 2024 but remains a rival, with polls showing Zaluzhnyi leading Zelenskyy.
The ongoing conflict and internal disputes risk polarizing Ukraine's public opinion as the war continues.