FT: After social protests, Zelenskyy considers dismissing Ukraine's army chief

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is reportedly contemplating the dismissal of the army's commander-in-chief, Valeriy Zaluzhny, according to the Financial Times. This consideration comes in the wake of significant social protests that erupted following a government reshuffle on July 14, which saw the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and other ministers. The newspaper suggests that a key factor in Zaluzhny's potential removal would be the identification of a successor capable of ensuring a seamless transition of command without negatively impacting front-line operations. The report also points to a conflict between Zaluzhny and former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as a contributing reason for the government changes. Fedorov, who had gained popularity for implementing innovative warfare strategies and tackling corruption in defense procurement, was among those who left office. President Zelenskyy is scheduled to consult with military commanders regarding future actions in light of the government changes and their consequences. Zaluzhny has held the position of commander-in-chief since February 2024, succeeding General Valeriy Zaluzhny, who was then appointed ambassador to the United Kingdom.