Zaluzhnyi dismissal rumors stir up social media in Ukraine and Russia
Rumors about the alleged dismissal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, reported on Jan. 29 by various media, including former MP Boryslav Bereza, caused a stir on social media.
The rumors stoked reactions both among Ukrainians, among whom Zaluzhnyi enjoys great authority and trust in the country, as well as Russians, who consider him one of their chief enemies.
For their part, Russians quickly began celebrating his dismissal, fantasizing about a military coup that might overthrow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Unfortunately for them, the Defense Ministry and the President’ Office denied the rumors shortly after.
Most Ukrainians, realizing that the news was probably not true, began to mock it as an information-psychological operation (IPO) aimed at the Russians and their hyperactive propaganda mouthpieces
Some jokingly began searching for a "worthy replacement" for Zaluzhnyi, though many also cautioned against jumping to conclusions, convinced that the situation was still unclear.
Most simply sighed with relief.
Zaluzhnyi himself has not commented on any this.
The military war may be swinging in our favor, but the information war continues.
Just as an army needs soldiers, so does a free society need its journalists to ensure that people have access to honest, trustworthy voices to understand the world around them.
For the past five years, The New Voice of Ukraine has been working tirelessly to push back against Russian narratives and defend democracy. But we cannot do it alone.
Please consider supporting us on Patreon for just $5 a month – your donation does directly to supporting journalists and ensuring that this front of the infowar says solid and defended.
Thank you.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
