Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky sacks two generals, calls them ‘traitors’

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday announced that he had sacked two of his generals, calling them “traitors” and “anti-heroes.”

In his nightly video message posted on social media, the 44-year-old Ukrainian President said, “Today another decision was made regarding antiheroes. Now I do not have time to deal with all the traitors. But gradually they will all be punished.”

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The two generals who have been removed are Naumov Andriy Olehovych, the former chief of the Main Department of Internal Security of the Security Service of Ukraine, and Kryvoruchko Serhiy Oleksandrovych, the former head of the Office of the Security Service of Ukraine in the Kherson region. Zelensky, however, did not furnish the details of why they were removed.

Both generals have been stripped of their rank and at the moment, it is unclear what other punishment awaits them.

“According to article 48 of the Disciplinary Statute of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, those servicemen among senior officers who have not decided where their homeland is, who violate the military oath of allegiance to the Ukrainian people as regards (to) the protection of our state, its freedom and independence, will inevitably be deprived of senior military ranks. Random generals don’t belong here!,” the Ukrainian President further said, announcing the removal of the two generals.

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The 44-year-old subsequently went on to praise Ukraine’s true heroes, who had dedicated themselves to the service of the nation, extending to “the true heroes of the Security Service: the same absolute gratitude, as well as to each and every one of those who sincerely defend our country. There are really a lot of heroes among the military.”

Zelensky’s comments came as the Russian invasion of Ukraine entered its 36th day. Despite talks between the two sides to de-escalate, reports suggest that Russia is not withdrawing and is merely repositioning its troops.