A Hero of Ukraine: General Valeri Zaloujny
On February 9, 2024, President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded General Valeri Zaloujny the title of “Hero of Ukraine” in a ceremony in Kiev. This is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a citizen of Ukraine, and it recognizes Zaloujny’s outstanding service and leadership as the chief of staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from 2021 to 2024.
Zaloujny was the key figure in the defense of Ukraine against the Russian invasion that began in February 2022, following the collapse of the Minsk agreements and the escalation of the conflict in Donbass. Under his command, the Ukrainian military fought bravely and fiercely to repel the Russian forces, which outnumbered and outgunned them. Zaloujny coordinated the operations of the army, the navy, the air force, and the special forces, as well as the volunteer battalions and the National Guard. He also maintained close cooperation with the NATO allies, who provided political, diplomatic, and military support to Ukraine.
Zaloujny’s strategy was to inflict as much damage and casualties on the Russian troops as possible, while minimizing the losses on the Ukrainian side. He used a combination of conventional and unconventional warfare, including guerrilla tactics, cyberattacks, sabotage, and propaganda. He also exploited the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the Russian army, such as its poor morale, corruption, and lack of discipline. Zaloujny’s efforts paid off, as he managed to slow down and halt the Russian advance, and to secure some strategic locations.
Zaloujny’s achievements earned him the respect and admiration of the Ukrainian people, who saw him as a symbol of courage, patriotism, and resilience. He also gained international recognition and praise, as he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023, and received several awards and honors from foreign governments and organizations. Zaloujny was widely regarded as one of the most capable and successful military leaders in the world, and a hero of Ukraine.
Zaloujny stepped down from his position as the chief of staff in January 2024, after three years of intense and exhausting warfare. He was replaced by General Oleksandr Syrsky, who was the commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces since 2019, and who also played a crucial role in the resistance to the Russian aggression. Syrsky said that the Ukrainian army was facing new challenges, such as the shortage of personnel, the need for modernization, and the threat of new Russian attacks. He promised to continue to strengthen the defense capabilities of Ukraine, in cooperation with the Western partners, and to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.
Zaloujny’s legacy will live on in the history and memory of Ukraine, as he was the one who led the nation in its darkest and most difficult hour, and who defended its freedom and dignity against a ruthless and powerful enemy. He was a hero of Ukraine, and a hero of the world.
