President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned the military leadership not to interfere in Ukraine’s politics, as this threatens national unity. It is a huge mistake if the general in charge of the war behaves like a politician in his words and on the front line, not a military man, Zelensky said.
He said this in an interview with The Sun, Censor.NET reports.
According to Zelenskyy, the generals who entered politics made a huge mistake.
The President spoke about several Ukrainian commanders who became involved in politics after Russia’s occupation of Crimea in 2014. According to him, the military is being pushed into politics by various political forces.
“It was after 2014 when every political party wanted some military people, war stars, and I think it was a very big mistake. They were pushed into politics because their reputation was destroyed,” he said.
The publication notes that Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi is rumored to be a potential rival to Zelenskyy if he decides to become a politician.
“If a soldier decides to engage in politics, it is his right, then he should go into politics, and then he has no time for war. If you lead a war with the idea that tomorrow you will be involved in politics or elections, then in your words and on the frontline you behave like a politician, not a military man, and I think this is a huge mistake,” Zelenskyy said.
He also warned that soldiers’ disobedience to their generals threatens the unity of Ukraine.
“With all due respect to General Zaluzhnyi and all the commanders on the battlefield, there must be an understanding of the hierarchy. By law and during the war, this is not even discussed. This does not lead to the unity of the nation,” Zelenskyy added.