Many of Kyiv's allies expected Ukraine to fall to the Russian invaders in just days and weeks following the Russian invasion but the army under General Valerii's command were able to push back the invading Moscow forces and sustained the capital's protection from despite the heavy aerial bombardment from Russia.
Ukraine was also able to reclaim part of the lost territoty from Russia and had wished to push the Moscow forces further back in 2023 but the summer counter offensive turned detrimental leading to elusive battlefield success.
Since then, Ukraine has been pushed back to the defensive footing by a neptone of Russian offensives with heavy fighting reported along the battle lines in the Kharviv region and the Zaporizhzhia in the south following renewed Russian aerial bombardment.
Across several cities, the country has reported the air defence systems getting overwhelmed by the ballistic and cruise missile bombardment.
Firing General Valerii is the biggest political gamble for Zelensky. Despite the failure of the summer counter offensive, the now former military chief remains one of the most popular leaders in the country with an approval rating of over 88% twenty times more compared to that of Zelensky.
With only scant political interest shown, General Valerii is increasingly thought to challenge president Zelensky for the top administration post in future.
" You do not dismiss the commander in the middle of the war. It'll play into the Russians hands," a soldier speaking on the condition of anonymity said.
