The recent outbursts of some of Ukraine’s top officials show they are getting desperate and frustrated. However, there are questions concerning these outbursts. Are they justified after all the aid and military support it has already received from its allies?
In many ways, Ukraine has received more than most could have imagined, considering its status as a non-EU and NATO member. Severe concerns have arisen about whether it is worth continuing the never-ending war, as it has become a burden for many. The continuous military aid and other supplies to a non-EU member state have stretched the Western Alliance’s stockpiles to limits and require desperate updates, thus weakening their capabilities to respond to possible military threats.
The decreasing supply of military aid has worsened, but it has taught Western governments valuable lessons about shortages and deficiencies in military equipment, weapons, and ammunition stockpiles. Ukraine’s war has been a learning curve, prompting many to enhance their defensive and offensive capabilities in response to the looming threat from the east.
Ukraine presents itself as the savior of democracy and the free world but has shown only slight improvement in handling the current crisis, mainly due to the current leadership. Continual changes among high-ranking officials create uncertainty and cast doubt over the government’s capabilities for crisis management.
Winds of change in high-ranking positions
The recent shuffle of power targeted the position of the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine when Oleksandr Lytvynenko, the former head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, replaced Oleksiy Danilov. According to the Kyiv Post, Ukraine’s incumbent President didn’t explain his decision.
In February 2024, four-star general Valerii Zaluzhnyi was dismissed from his position as the chief of the armed forces of Ukraine and sent to London to serve as the ambassador for Ukraine. His dismissal resulted from increased tension between him and the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. General Zaluzhnyi was replaced by Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who previously acted as the commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces from 2019 to 2024 and the commander of the Joint Forces Operation from May to August 2019.
These changes have raised questions about whether the political power struggle and paranoia shadowed Zelensky’s decisions as the war entered its second year. Removing political opponents before the forthcoming presidential elections is an old, well-used tactic among dictators and authoritarian leaders worldwide.
Forthcoming presidential elections
Only a handful of contenders could challenge Zelensky in forthcoming elections. Two of them are candidates to be seriously considered for Ukraine’s next president.
Oleksii Mykolaiovych Arestovych
Mr. Arestovych has quite an impressive career behind him and can be considered a viable candidate in forthcoming presidential elections.
His military experience and reserve rank as a Lieutenant Colonel gives him a sound understanding of the workings of the modern army and what is needed to defend a country from foreign aggression. This is valuable experience as the president is the country’s commander in chief. Every decision made in that post will affect countless citizens and future generations. Therefore, the president should omit some level of military experience.
Theater and psychology studies are also among his many endeavors in social skills. This could raise a question of whether Ukraine’s political elite is a big play in which actors have roles to play in shaping the future of Ukraine. The current president, a well-known comedian, would have firsthand knowledge of how theater studies can prepare someone for the role of president. However, that alone is not enough, considering the dire situation that the world has plunged into.
Social media presence is essential today, and Mr. Arestovich handles it well. He is a well-known blogger, and in 2019, he was ranked among the 100 bloggers in Ukraine. His followers and subscribers ensure his ideas and comments get the needed publicity on social media platforms.
Valerii Fedorovych Zaluzhnyi
Another strong presidential candidate is four-star general Valerii Zaluzhnyi. He enjoys public admiration and fame at all levels of Ukraine’s society. His advanced views on modern warfare and political experience make him a potential candidate.
Before becoming the chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, he pursued extensive military education, including studies at the Ivan Chernyakhovsky National Defense University of Ukraine, Odesa Military Academy, and National University Ostroh Academy.
His impressive military career makes him suitable to lead Ukraine in these difficult times. He understands military strategy, has the skills to lead the troops who fight for their country, and, most of all, ensures the freedom and independence of their homeland.
General Zaluzhnyi needs no international introduction. He is well-known and liked around the world. In 2022, he was recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. His ability to adapt to ever-changing battlefield conditions and gather information needed for the military to repel the invading Russian forces has been well recognized. Even though Ukraine hasn’t been able to regain the occupied areas, general Zaluzhnyi’s participation has been invaluable.
Zelensky may have intended to remove him from the political scene and send him far from Ukraine’s elite circles, but his role as ambassador provided him with valuable experience in global diplomacy. He will become one of Ukraine’s most valuable human assets in the coming months and years.
Gaze to the future.
Let’s face it: Ukraine requires a robust and experienced president with an impressive background to ensure continued support from foreign partners. Rebuilding and reforming the government and its subsidiaries is crucial for Ukraine’s future.
