It was reported on Monday, February 4, 2024, that Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has submitted a proposal to the Ukrainian parliament to extend martial law and general mobilisation for another 90 days.
The parliament is expected to vote on it.
Lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said that this would be the 10th vote of the parliament on martial law since the beginning of the war.
Under martial law, Ukrainian men aged between 18 and 60, with some exceptions, are not allowed to leave the country as they may be called up for military service.
Zelenskyy first declared martial law and general mobilisation on February 24, 2022, when Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The measure has been repeatedly extended since then.
The Ukrainian parliament previously extended martial law and mobilization from November 2023 until February 14, 2024.
Zelenskiy’s proposal would extend the two measures until 14 May.
Also, Zelenskyy hinted on a broader leadership shakeup.
Zelenskyy confirmed in an interview that he was thinking about removing General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the Commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces.
He said he was contemplating the move to ensure the country remains led by individuals who are “convinced of victory” against Russia.
“A reset, a new beginning is necessary,” Zelenskyy said, adding that the review is “not about a single person but about the direction of the country’s leadership.”
“I’m thinking about this replacement, but you can’t say here we replaced a single person. When we talk about this, I mean a replacement of a series of state leaders, not just in a single sector like the military.
“If we want to win, we must all push in the same direction, convinced of victory. We cannot be discouraged, let our arms fall. We must have the right positive energy.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy’s comments were his first acknowledgement of Zaluzhnyi,’s possible firing.
The potential ouster of the General already has caused an uproar in Ukraine and delighted the Kremlin as the war approaches its second anniversary.
Zaluzhnyi is widely respected among Ukrainian service members and considered a national hero. He is credited with stalling Russia’s full-scale invasion in the early days of the war and expertly pushing back Moscow’s troops.
Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko criticized the possibility of Zaluzhnyi’s firing, saying it was due to the general’s leadership that “many Ukrainians truly trust the armed forces.”
“Today is a moment when politics might prevail over reason and country’s interests,” Klitschko said on social media.
The mayor of Ukraine’s capital city has been a vocal critic of Zelenskyy.
The presidency in turn has accused Klitschko’s office of inefficiencies.
Zelenskyy Visits Training Center For Mobile Firing Groups
As part of his working trip to Dnipropetrovsk region, President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited a training center for mobile firing groups on Monday.
He familiarized himself with the living and service conditions of the warriors.
The President was briefed on manning of mobile firing groups.
He watched the training process in specialized classes with the use of multimedia simulators for the Fagot and Igla MANPADS, as well as the personnel of the mobile firing groups performing practical firing exercises.
Zelenskyy also presented state awards to servicemen of the East Regional Directorate of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the East Operational Command of the AFU Ground Forces.
In an address to the servicemen, Zelenskyy stated, “I would like to thank you for destroying enemy aerial targets, for defending our country, our families, and for protecting Ukraine.”
He added, “I wish you good health and only victory. Forward only! Glory to Ukraine!”
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