In the fall of 2023, Ukrainian General Valery Zaluzhny, the commander-in-chief of the country's armed forces, gave an interview to the Economist and declared that the war with Russia was at a “stalemate“.
It took President Volodymyr Zelensky three months to fire him. The general, who is Ukraine's most popular public figure, was appointed ambassador to London a month later and has served there with distinction, if quietly.
Zaluzhny is now seen as Zelensky's most likely successor. According to informed officials in Washington, the position could be his within months.
Zelensky is on the short list for exile if President Donald Trump decides to do so.
If Zelensky refuses to leave his post, which is most likely, according to an informed American official, "he will be forced out. The ball is in his court".
Many in Washington and in Ukraine believe that the escalating air war with Russia should end soon while there is still a chance to reach an agreement with Vladimir Putin.
Source: seymourhersh.substack.com