"Cannot stay on the sidelines." Is Zaluzhny facing suspicion over the "surrender of the south"?

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the "surrender of southern territories" may be used as a tool for political pressure on former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi. The position of Commander-in-Chief cannot be detached from any ongoing processes.

This was stated by the former advisor to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Viktor Nazarov in an interview with "Telegraph" — "The authorities violated an unspoken agreement with the military: about pressure on Zaluzhnyi, the 'surrender' of the south, and negotiations with the Russian Federation." He responded to a question about whether Valerii Zaluzhnyi could be made culpable.

Nazarov mentioned that he had not been summoned for interrogations. Therefore, in his view, it is likely that he does not have any testimony in this case.

At the same time, he emphasized that the interrogations of Zaluzhnyi's subordinates and the collection of documents "either directly or indirectly pertain to the Commander-in-Chief, whoever he may be."

"The Commander-in-Chief is a position in the Armed Forces of Ukraine that cannot be detached from any processes. It's hard to imagine a situation where something is happening in the south, or anywhere else, and he is either on a mission or unaware of what is happening there. He still influences all these matters," Nazarov stressed.

According to him, although politically it seems unlikely that Zaluzhnyi will be formally charged, using the investigation as a means of political pressure remains quite possible.

"I am not sure that, for political reasons, anyone is ready to formally accuse Zaluzhnyi. But as a means of political pressure, this could work. I do not rule it out," the former advisor to the Commander-in-Chief concluded.

Earlier, "Telegraph" reported that the former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi continues to enjoy a high level of trust among Ukrainians even after being relieved of his position. His popularity has slightly declined, but he remains a well-liked figure.