Growing Tensions in Kyiv Amidst Dispute over War Status, as Zelensky Rejects Russian Conflict Stalemate
Ukrainian President Zelensky and his advisor strongly criticize the military chief's assessment of a 'stalemate' in the war with Russia, escalating tensions in Kyiv and raising concerns over Western backing for the conflict
The apparent rift between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his military command is growing more evident to the public. Their disagreement over the status of the war with Russia has intensified, with Igor Zhovka, the deputy head of Zelensky's office, openly criticizing the assessment made by Ukraines military chief that the war is at a standstill. This ongoing feud in Kyiv has increased concerns about Western backing for the conflict.
The military chief, Valery Zaluzhny, expressed in an interview with The Economist on Wednesday that we have reached a technological level, resulting in a stalemate. He further stated that there are unlikely to be any significant advancements leading to a deep and extraordinary breakthrough in the war.
Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, photographed in his office at the General Staff building in Kyiv, Ukraine on June 28, 2023.
Ukrainian citizens are confronted with the harsh truth of an extended conflict with Russia, as the stalemate on the battlefield continues. Zhovka, during an interview on Ukrainian television, emphasized that the Russians would meticulously scrutinize Zaluzhny's interview and draw significant conclusions from it. He further revealed that he had been receiving anxious calls from colleagues in allied nations, seeking confirmation about the stalemate described by Zaluzhny.
"Is this the intended outcome we aimed for with this article?" Zhovka questioned.
"Maybe this is a highly intricate strategic approach, and we may meet with some degree of success through this means. However, I must admit, I feel quite astonished," Zhovka remarked.
The tensions arise at a critical juncture in the conflict, as Kyiv's sluggish counter-offensive and the escalation of violence in the Middle East raise concerns about a potential decline in Western financial and military support.
During a press conference with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday, Zelensky expressed his disagreement with Zaluzhnyi's assessment. However, he acknowledged that people are fatigued after enduring 18 months of war in the country.
"People are fatigued. Exhaustion is widespread. Differing perspectives exist [â¦] Regardless of social standing, every individual is human⦠However, this is not a impasse. I reiterate this point once again. We have previously addressed this matter. This is not breaking news," emphasized Zelensky.
"We must all unite and find solutions, collaborate more extensively with our allies concerning aerial defense, remove the barriers in the skies, and empower our personnel to take offensive measures. This should be our primary focus. Exclusively this. Not the prospects of our future location. But the present," articulated Zelensky.
Zaluzhny outlined his perception of the necessary steps for Ukraine and the type of assistance required from allies to overcome the impasse. However, his portrayal of the conflict created surprise within Ukraine and garnered global media attention. This followed a separate interview with Zelensky, given to TIME, which portrayed the Ukrainian president as becoming more isolated.
Zelensky has sought to insist that Ukraine can secure an outright military victory.
"No one shares the same unwavering faith in our triumph as I do. No one," Zelensky asserted to TIME, emphasizing that fostering such convictions among Ukraine's allies calls for utmost strength and dedication."
"Fatigue from the war spreads like a wave, evident in both the United States and Europe," Zelensky stated. He acknowledged that the conflict between Israel and Hamas has shifted focus away from Ukraine's battle against Russia, causing challenges in sustaining international support for his country's struggle.
"We undoubtedly witness the negative repercussions of the Middle East events. The loss of human lives demands urgent global assistance to effectively mitigate the crisis," stated Zelensky. He further elaborated on these remarks whilst von der Leyen visited Kyiv on Saturday.
The war in the Middle East is clearly diverting attention away, which, in my opinion, is one of the objectives of the Russian Federation. This is a fact that can be observed in the outcomes," stated Zelensky. Earlier, the Ukrainian leader had shown support for Israel after the Hamas attacks on October 7, suggesting that global leaders should visit Israel and extend their assistance to the victims of these terrorist acts.
In the midst of ongoing clashes, Ukraine is persistently engaged in a challenging counter-offensive against Russian troops in the southern and eastern regions.
Kyiv has achieved considerable success in conducting air operations, as evidenced by its air force's effective airstrikes on a shipyard in the Crimean peninsula on Saturday, which is currently occupied by Russian forces.
The Ukrainian Air Force Commander, Mykola Oleschuk, extended his congratulations to the pilots who participated in the strikes in a post on Telegram. According to a Russian official, the missiles targeting a shipyard were intercepted by air defenses. CNN cannot confirm either assertion independently.
On Saturday, the Crimean Bridge, also referred to as the Kerch Bridge, observed a two-hour traffic interruption. The reason behind the closure on this critical route that connects mainland Russia to the occupied peninsula was not disclosed by Russian authorities.
CNNs Tim Lister, Svitlana Vlasova, Yulia Kesaieva and Victoria Butenko contributed reporting.
