(VOVWORLD) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the dismissal of commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, Valery Zaluzhny, in the biggest military reshuffle since the conflict with Russia.
 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Valery Zaluzhny in Kiev, February 8, 2024. Photo: Reuters
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President Zelensky said on February 8 Telegram post seen just before the official announcement: “I met with General Valery Zaluzhny. I thank him for the two years of defending Ukraine."
Zelensky appointed commander of the ground forces Oleksandr Syrsky, 58, as the country's new army chief, replacing 50-years-old Zaluzhny.
According to Ukrainian law, the commander-in-chief is the head of the armed forces, overseeing the military situation and related equipment, weapons and resources. The commander-in-chief reports to the president and the minister of defense on how the country's strategic military goals have been achieved.