Valerii Zaluzhnyi may step down as Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom and return to Kyiv as early as the beginning of January, sources in political and diplomatic circles told Radio NV. According to them, he discussed this decision with President Volodymyr Zelensky during a recent visit to Ukraine.
Step Back—or Forward?
According to NV’s sources, Zaluzhnyi has allegedly expressed his intention to resign from his post. Various scenarios regarding his future role were discussed. These range from government positions to a complete withdrawal from public life. At the same time, the sources emphasize that no final decisions have been made.
Some interlocutors suggest that Zaluzhnyi could announce his return as early as January 4–5, if nothing changes. However, the Embassy of Ukraine in London has not yet commented on these reports.
Why He Is Trusted
After being dismissed as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in February 2024 and later appointed Ambassador to the UK, Valerii Zaluzhnyi has remained one of the most authoritative figures in Ukrainian society. According to sociologists, he consistently ranks among the three most trusted political figures, alongside Volodymyr Zelensky and Kyrylo Budanov.
Oleksii Antypovych, head of the Rating Sociological Group, explained in an interview with RBC-Ukraine that the public sees Zaluzhnyi as a figure who defended the country and embodies responsibility and strength. That is why any news about his future instantly becomes political.
At the same time, Zaluzhnyi himself has previously emphasized that during wartime the priority must be preserving the state, not discussing elections.
In the Context of Negotiations
Talks about Zaluzhnyi’s possible return coincide with active international diplomatic efforts. Recently, President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with Donald Trump regarding a potential peace framework and security guarantees for Ukraine. According to both sides, parts of the agreements have already been reached.
Against this backdrop, any personnel changes within the country are perceived particularly sharply. They are seen as part of a broader political picture. In this context, internal stability is considered directly linked to external support.
Conclusions
Zaluzhnyi’s return to Ukraine does not automatically signal the start of a political campaign. However, it reinforces the sense that the country is entering a new phase, in which key figures are gradually defining their place in the post-war future.
Whether Zaluzhnyi will be among them remains an open question. Yet the very possibility of his return is already a signal being closely watched—both in Ukraine and beyond its borders.
