The change of command in the Armed Forces of Ukraine has caused a wide resonance, and one of the first to respond to the event was the former Commander-in-Chief, Valery Zaluzhny. In his new status as the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom, he published a detailed comment dedicated to the appointment of General Mykhailo Drapaty as the head of the army.
Honor is more important than positions
In his Facebook post, Zaluzhny did not touch upon tactical or strategic details, focusing instead on the moral aspect of military service. In his opinion, the foundation of the army is built on values where honor stands above any ranks and awards. It is the sense of honor, according to the former Commander-in-Chief, that gives birth to ideas and forces one to seek like-minded people ready to share the "heavy cross" of responsibility.
Zaluzhny warned that those who deviate from these principles inevitably face shame. He emphasized that for a person guided by honor, there are no idols, and therefore, there is nothing to lose except the fulfillment of one's duty.
Warning about the severity of trials
Zaluzhny's attitude towards the new appointee was expressed in a stern but supportive tone. He stated directly that the new Commander-in-Chief will have to go through trials that will turn out to be significantly more difficult than he can imagine.
"It will be very difficult for the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Significantly harder than he imagines. However, Mykhailo will certainly never be ashamed," wrote the former Commander-in-Chief.
Concluding his address, Zaluzhny expressed a traditional wish: "Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Armed Forces!"
Context of personnel changes
The appointment of Drapaty was the result of a decision by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, made on July 21. Oleksandr Syrskyi was dismissed, and his place was taken by General Mykhailo Drapaty. Prior to this, Drapaty headed the "Khortytsia" grouping of forces and held the post of Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The event itself took place against the backdrop of active hostilities. In his first statement after his dismissal, Valery Zaluzhny noted that he was leaving his post at a time when the Defense Forces are on the offensive and have real chances for victory. For his part, Mykhailo Drapaty, in his address, thanked for the trust, calling the leadership of the army during the war for independence both an honor and absolute responsibility.
