Former Ukrainian Army Chief Zaluzhnyi May Return to Kyiv After Resigning Diplomatic Role

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom and former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, is preparing to leave his diplomatic post in London in early January, Radio NV reported, citing sources.

According to sources close to the Office of the President of Ukraine, Zaluzhnyi told President Volodymyr Zelensky several weeks ago that he wanted to resign.

"He and the president discussed various positions for Zaluzhnyi, ranging from prime minister to head of the Presidential Office, but at that time he did not show interest,” NV's sources said.

One of the interlocutors said that Zaluzhnyi plans to return to Kyiv and "may announce this as early as January 4-5 next year, if nothing affects his decision.”

In October, the French publication Intelligence Online reported that Zaluzhnyi had approached several high-ranking military officers and officials asking them to support him should he decide to run for president.

Zaluzhnyi denied these claims, stating: "Anyone who receives an offer supposedly made on my behalf to join any processes through any organization should report it to law enforcement agencies.”