– I will save my people

“Am I ready to die? Am I ready to kill? Am I willing to send people to die or be killed?”

These are the three questions General Valery Zaluzhny, 49, asked himself when Russia attacked Ukraine, he said in an exclusive interview with Washington Post.

In 2021, he was appointed Chief of Defense of the Ukrainian Army.

Despite the fact that it was relatively low profile during the war, in the last year it has gained the status of a folk hero among the population.

He now faced war with a Russian force larger and better equipped than his own. Again he must ask himself the question:

“How can I reduce the loss of life?”

In the interview, he says that each morning begins as before. He needs to know how many soldiers were killed or wounded on his orders the day before.

– He must save my people

He told the newspaper he was saving the grief for later. The famous general believed that now the blacksmith would distract him from his important work. Not only do Ukrainians trust him to keep them safe, but Western partners also depend on him for billions of dollars in security assistance.

But if it were up to him alone, that wasn’t how he would get the job done. He told the Washington Post that he wanted to fight with air superiority.

He was answering at least the number of shells the Russians fired at his troops. He wanted cruise missiles comparable to Moscow’s.

– It can lead to acute crisis

– Why do I have to ask someone for permission to do what I want to do in enemy territory? He said in a rare interview: I will save my people!

He tells the newspaper that he is burdened by worries and responsibilities.

– I have to live with this. Every day someone is killed. who will always be missed. There are tears.

Plans to restore Crimea

Zaluzhny says he wants to take back Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014. Although some Western officials worry about Putin’s response if Ukrainian forces reach the territory.

– As soon as I have the money, I will do something. He told the newspaper I don’t care – nobody can stop me.

Claims that they stopped assassination attempts

Crucial choice

He is described as an ambitious and talkative leader, while being humble and joking with his subordinates, the BBC writes. They have spoken to several people who know Zalogny.

The newspaper writes that Zalogny It made several critical choices at the beginning of the Russian invasion, as Russian forces advanced towards Kiev.

Among other things, when the proposal seemed to blow up the bridges to the capital, to prevent the Russians from crossing the Dnieper.

“We will not do that under any circumstances,” the news agency quoted the defense minister as saying.

Zalogny is said to have been in constant contact with soldiers on the front line during the first days of the invasion. A former aide says he barely slept.

– He often spoke on the phone with his generals, but always kept his composure and focus, she tells the BBC.