Zelenskyy meets former Armed Forces chief, UK Ambassador to discuss Ukraine’s diplomatic priorities

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday met with former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and current Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, to discuss Ukraine’s current diplomatic priorities and ways to strengthen the country.

“It is important that we all work together to defend Ukraine’s independence, our national interests, and our people,” Zelenskyy said.

During the meeting, Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Zaluzhnyi for his service and the work of his team.

Zaluzhnyi stepped down as Commander-in-Chief in 2024, a move Zelenskyy described at the time as necessary for renewal and restructuring. Later that year, Zaluzhnyi was appointed Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom. General Oleksandr Syrskyi succeeded him as Commander-in-Chief.