Unclear how Zelenskiy’s removal of military commander will improve Ukraine’s position

President's replacement of Zaluzhnyi with his land forces commander is not seen as a radical departure

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's decision to replace his most senior military commander may solve a political problem, but it is not clear how it can improve Ukraine's weakening position on the battlefield.

It was clear that the outgoing Gen Valerii Zaluzhnyi had lost the confidence of the Ukrainian leader, who had come to be wary of the general's popularity and saw him as a political threat. By refusing to resign when asked by the president last week, Zaluzhnyi had created an untenable situation at the top.