Zelensky Nominates Zaluzhnyi as Ukraine's Ambassador to the UK

"On Thursday, March 7, 2024, President Zelensky endorsed Valerii Zaluzhnyi as the nominee for the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has forwarded a proposal for this appointment to the British government," the ministry stated on its website.

The role was previously held by Vadym Prystaiko, Ukraine's former Foreign Minister, appointed by Zelensky on July 20, 2020.

Prystaiko was dismissed in July 2023 following Zelensky's disagreement with then British Defense Minister Ben Wallace, who criticized Ukrainians for their perceived lack of gratitude.

Zelensky relieved Zaluzhnyi of his duties as the commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on February 8. "I had a meeting with General Valerii Zaluzhnyi. I expressed my gratitude for his two years of service in defending Ukraine. We discussed what changes and improvements are needed in our armed forces. We also considered who could lead the modernized Ukrainian Armed Forces. I believe now is the appropriate time for this overhaul. I proposed that Valerii remain a part of our team," Zelensky shared on Telegram.

General Valerii Zaluzhnyi acknowledged his resignation and said it was decided to revise the Ukrainian military's strategy.