Protestors gathered in Kiev’s Independence Square on Friday, chanting slogans in support of General Valery Zaluzhny, who was removed as Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces by President Volodymyr Zelensky this week. They also called for the ouster of Zelesnky himself and Zaluzhny’s replacement, General Oleksandr Syrskyi.
The small number of protestors indicate that at least some Ukrainians are tired of the protracted war and their political leadership’s desire to send more Ukrainian men to the front lines. General Syrskyi’s insistence on holding the city of Bakhmut for nine months cost the lives of 20,000 Ukrainian soldiers, according to Western government estimates.
Another point of contention with those dissatisfied with the change in military leadership revolves around strategy. Whereas General Zaluzhny emphasized a strategic and flexible defense — focused on preventing Russian breakthroughs, General Syrskyi has committed to boosting troop numbers on the front lines and a more aggressive stance to push Russian troops out of Ukrainian territory.
The broader reaction on the streets of Kiev has been one of cautious skepticism, according to the Associated Press, which conducted a series of interviews with residents in the Ukrainian capital. “We hope that our government has not made a big mistake,” 35-year-old Alisa Riazantseva told the wire service, adding that she had been “generally satisfied” with the leadership of General Zaluzhny. Other residents echoed Riazantseva’s sentiments.
A protest begins on the Maidan. People are chanting: "Get out of Zelensky!" and "Bring back Zluzhny!"https://t.co/tDMpSjgHea pic.twitter.com/RwkRIxn6MC
— Devana 🇺🇦 (@DevanaUkraine) February 9, 2024