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Former Army Chief Zaluzhnyi Launches Presidential Bid, 73% Trust

7/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Valerii Zaluzhnyi announced his presidential run while serving as ambassador to the United Kingdom.
A mid-June meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prompted him to confirm his candidacy.
Kyiv Institute of Sociology poll gave him a 73% trust rating, the highest for any political figure.
He led the armed forces from July 2021 to February 2024, defended Kyiv, and was appointed ambassador to the United Kingdom, a post he still holds.

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Story summary

Valerii Zaluzhnyi announced his presidential run while serving as ambassador to the United Kingdom.
A mid-June meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prompted him to confirm his candidacy.
Kyiv Institute of Sociology poll gave him a 73% trust rating, the highest for any political figure.
He led the armed forces from July 2021 to February 2024, defended Kyiv, and was appointed ambassador to the United Kingdom, a post he still holds.