Ukrainian Correspondent: Zelenskyy Misjudged Political Situation
MDR's Kyiv correspondent Stefan Laack states that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has lost his political acumen in the reshuffling of military leadership. The misjudgment pertains particularly to communication, which has angered even supporters.
According to Stefan Laack, MDR's correspondent in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has misjudged the political situation regarding recent appointments within the military leadership. Laack told MDR AKTUELL that Zelenskyy apparently believed he could resolve the internal conflict between former army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov quietly, similar to previous government changes.
The correspondent, however, believes this assessment was incorrect. The lack of communication, in particular, has angered many, including Zelenskyy's core supporters. Laack noted, though, that no demands for Zelenskyy's resignation were made during protests. He advised the president to be cautious about repeated political misjudgments.
The reshuffle is reportedly due to tensions between the former army chief and the defense minister. The appointment of Mykhailo Drapatyj as the new army commander is part of efforts to bolster Ukraine's offensive. Zelenskyy himself has met with US envoys to discuss diplomatic avenues for ending the war.
Ukraine has also reported recapturing 700 square kilometers of land in its counteroffensive operations. Meanwhile, attacks on Black Sea ports have driven up European wheat prices. Russia has restricted shipping in the port of Novorossijsk following Ukrainian drone strikes, increasing global market uncertainty.