President Volodymyr Zelensky has replaced General Valerii Zaluzhnyi as the head of Ukraine's armed forces, marking a significant shift in the country's military leadership amid ongoing tensions with Russia
In a major shake-up of the Ukrainian military amid the ongoing war with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy removed his top general, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, on Thursday after weeks of feverish speculation about his fate, the New York Times reported.
The move follows last week's plane crash in Russia's Belgorod region, near the Ukrainian border, with Moscow accusing Kyiv of downing a military transport carrying Ukrainian prisoners of war destined for exchange.
"Mass deportations, citizens, villages razed to the ground and the terrifying feeling that the war may never end. In fact, Putin embodies war. We all know that he is the sole reason why various wars and conflicts persist. He will not change," said Zelenskyy in Davos.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, she highlighted Russia's strategic shortcomings, emphasising a significant military failure in its near-two-year war with Ukraine. Despite Moscow's attempts, Ukraine has managed to retain its "freedom and independence."
In the largest prisoner exchange, since Russia's invasion of Ukraine started in February 2022, hundreds of prisoners of war were exchanged between Kyiv and Moscow on Wednesday.
In his daily address on Friday, Zelenskyy emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, "It is important that the world responds to this latest act of terror. Many leaders have already expressed their support for Ukraine and Ukrainians today, and I am grateful to everyone."
Urging Congress to release more funds for providing military aid to Ukraine, the US State Secretary also said that "Congress needs to act in the new year".
Ukraine has welcomed the latest arms package from the United States to bolster its counteroffensive against Russia as the war approaches the two-year mark, Al Jazeera reported.