President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Valery Zaluzhny in Kiev, February 8, 2024. Photo: Reuters

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.