Valeryi Zaluzhnyi built a reputation as Ukraine’s ‘Iron General’ – now he will provide vital help from the UK

Having been removed as commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s army, Zaluzhnyi’s ability to embrace new ideas will still be crucial as Kyiv faces a pivotal moment in Russia’s invasion, Kim Sengupta writes

Valeryi Zaluzhnyi has been appointed as the ambassador to the UK (AFP)

A signpost has been erected on a shattered road in a village near Kharkiv with a new name for the place: Zaluzhne. This was after Valeryi Zaluzhnyi, the former commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s army.

Following the liberation of Kherson in the south from the Russians, graffiti was sprayed on a wall pitted with bullet holes: “God and Zaluzhnyi are with us.”

The admiration for General Zaluzhnyi is felt widely at home and among allies abroad, for the inspiring role he played as the chief of Ukraine’s armed forces in repelling Vladimir Putin’s invasion against the odds.