Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed former armed forces commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny as ambassador to the United Kingdom by presidential decree.
Zaluzhny led the Ukrainian military from Russia's invasion on 24 February 2022 until his dismissal in February this year. He was replaced by Gen. Oleksandr Sirskyi.
The decree states that Zaluzhny was released "from military service for health reasons" and retains "the right to wear a military uniform." The decree is dated 8 May.
Zaluzhny enjoys widespread popularity among both the military and the population because of his role in the resistance against Russia. He has served in Ukraine's armed forces since 1993, when he began his training at the Odessa military academy."/BGNES