KYIV, Ukraine - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stirred controversy by considering the possible dismissal of the country's top military officer, Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi. In an interview with Italian RAI TV, Zelenskyy revealed his contemplation, emphasizing the need for a broader reset in the country's leadership rather than focusing on a single individual. The president highlighted the necessity for unity and a shared vision to overcome challenges, stating, "If we want to win, we must all push in the same direction."

This revelation marks Zelenskyy's first confirmation of contemplating the removal of the widely popular general, causing uproar in Ukraine and raising concerns among Western allies. Reports suggest that Zelenskyy had offered Zaluzhnyi the opportunity to resign last week, but the general declined to comment on the matter. Tensions between the two leaders have escalated amidst the country's struggles with ammunition and personnel shortages following a failed summer counteroffensive.

The disagreement extends to the military's request for mobilizing up to 500,000 people, a proposal Zelenskyy rejected at the end of last year, seeking more details on organization and funding. The president's decision to withhold approval for a broad mobilization has been a point of contention, exacerbating the strain between him and Gen. Zaluzhnyi.

The rift between the two became public last fall when Zaluzhnyi acknowledged a stalemate in the conflict with Russia, a statement contradicted by Zelenskyy. As Ukraine urgently seeks increased Western military assistance amid Russian forces pressing on the 1,500-kilometer frontline, Zaluzhnyi's potential dismissal raises concerns among Western allies, especially since an aid package has been blocked in the U.S. Congress.

Russia has expressed satisfaction at the prospect of Zaluzhnyi's dismissal, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserting that it exposes divisions within the Ukrainian leadership. As the war against Russia approaches its second anniversary, the uncertainty surrounding key leadership changes adds a new dimension to the ongoing conflict.