Zaluzhny reveals conflict with Zelensky: searches, disputes and failed counteroffensive
World
Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom and former commander-in-chief Valerii Zaluzhny said in an interview with the Associated Press that he had serious disagreements with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to Zaluzhny, tensions began soon after the full-scale war started and reached a critical point in the autumn of 2022. He said dozens of officers from the Security Service of Ukraine arrived at his Kyiv office to conduct a search while British officers were present.
He claimed the officers did not explain their purpose and attempted to check documents and computers. Zaluzhny described the move as intimidation and refused to allow access. He said he called presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak and warned he would “repel the attack,” and also contacted SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk, who allegedly knew nothing about the operation.
Later it emerged that the warrant was issued for another facility — documents referred to a strip club at the same address, which had reportedly closed before the war.
The SBU later stated that it was conducting searches at multiple locations as part of another criminal case and that no investigative actions were carried out at the address linked to Zaluzhny. The situation, the agency said, was clarified immediately.
Zaluzhny also criticized the planning of Ukraine’s summer 2023 counteroffensive. He said the original plan, developed with NATO partners, called for concentrating forces to reach the Sea of Azov and cut supply routes to Crimea. Instead, resources were spread across a wide front, weakening the offensive.
Zelensky previously acknowledged the counteroffensive did not achieve the desired results, citing a lack of weapons from allies and limited troop numbers.
Zaluzhny said he has not been involved in military decision-making since his dismissal in February 2024, though he continues to monitor the front. He added that he has had two friendly conversations with the president since then.
He declined to discuss political ambitions, saying he would not address the issue until the war ends or martial law is lifted. However, early-2026 polls have named him as one of Zelensky’s main potential rivals.
He claimed the officers did not explain their purpose and attempted to check documents and computers. Zaluzhny described the move as intimidation and refused to allow access. He said he called presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak and warned he would “repel the attack,” and also contacted SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk, who allegedly knew nothing about the operation.
Later it emerged that the warrant was issued for another facility — documents referred to a strip club at the same address, which had reportedly closed before the war.
The SBU later stated that it was conducting searches at multiple locations as part of another criminal case and that no investigative actions were carried out at the address linked to Zaluzhny. The situation, the agency said, was clarified immediately.
Zaluzhny also criticized the planning of Ukraine’s summer 2023 counteroffensive. He said the original plan, developed with NATO partners, called for concentrating forces to reach the Sea of Azov and cut supply routes to Crimea. Instead, resources were spread across a wide front, weakening the offensive.
Zelensky previously acknowledged the counteroffensive did not achieve the desired results, citing a lack of weapons from allies and limited troop numbers.
Zaluzhny said he has not been involved in military decision-making since his dismissal in February 2024, though he continues to monitor the front. He added that he has had two friendly conversations with the president since then.
He declined to discuss political ambitions, saying he would not address the issue until the war ends or martial law is lifted. However, early-2026 polls have named him as one of Zelensky’s main potential rivals.
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