President Zelenskyy made the announcement in the latest video address.
Earlier, both Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Valeriy Zaluzhnyi shared details of their meeting on Telegram.
"I met with General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi and expressed gratitude for his two years of dedication to defending Ukraine. We discussed the necessary reforms for the Ukrainian Armed Forces and contemplated potential candidates for the rejuvenated leadership. The time for this transformation has come. I extended the invitation to Mr. Zaluzhnyi to remain part of the team," Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote.
Valeriy Zaluzhnyi wrote that the conversation with the Supreme Commander-in-Chief was "important and serious."
"It was decided to change approaches and strategy. I am grateful to everyone who is with me. I am grateful to the General Staff, the Ministry of Defense, and the President of Ukraine. I am proud of each and every person in the Ukrainian Armed Forces who defend the future of our children. All soldiers, sergeants and officers. I bow my head to all those who gave their lives for Ukraine and freedom. We remember and we will avenge them all," Zaluzhnyi added.
He also noted that the tasks of 2022 are different from those of 2024. Therefore, "everyone must change and adapt to the new realities as well. To win together, too."
Ukraine's Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, wrote on his Facebook page that a decision was made to change the leadership of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
"General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi had one of the most difficult tasks - to lead the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the Great War with Russia.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces, together with the entire people of our country, demonstrated to the whole world that Ukraine will fight for its own and its people, regardless of the enemy it is facing. Our soldiers repelled the aggressor's invasion, defended our statehood, and continue to defend our independence every day. But war does not remain the same. War changes and requires changes. The combat operations of 2022, 2023 and 2024 are three different realities. 2024 will bring new changes that we must be prepared for. We need new approaches and new strategies. I am sincerely grateful to Mr. Zaluzhnyi for all his achievements and victories," Umerov said.
Photo: facebook.com/rustemumerov.ua