Very logical step – Ukraine's Foreign Minister on appointment of former Commander-in-Chief as ambassador

Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, has stressed that the military background of Valerii Zaluzhnyi, former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, will become an advantage in the position of Ukraine’s Ambassador to the UK.

Source: Kuleba on air during the national joint 24/7 newscast

Details: Kuleba stated that he had had several conversations with Zaluzhnyi, which convinced him that "our respected general, former commander-in-chief, is eager to do diplomatic work".

Quote: "Moreover, he even has a profile education – it seems to me he obtained a master's degree in international relations in 2020. So I think this is a very logical step.

As a minister, I am undoubtedly interested in a powerful ambassador to London. The president has evaluated all factors and decided that Valerii Zaluzhnyi is the most suitable candidate for this position, so this will definitely strengthen our system."

Details: Kuleba added that one of the key requirements for the ambassador to the UK was an understanding of the military context. London is also one of the most important capitals in the world, where the embassies of the Global South countries are present.

Quote: "We don’t send just anybody there. London is an extremely important destination for any country, and after talking to the ambassadors who work in London, I am convinced that Valerii Zaluzhnyi will be one of the most respected public figures, and he will be useful not only from the point of view of bilateral relations with the UK but also of behind-the-scenes diplomacy with the countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America."

Background:

• On 7 March, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved the candidacy of Valerii Zaluzhnyi, former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has sent a corresponding request to the UK.

• Zelenskyy stated in his evening address that Zaluzhnyi had spoken to him specifically about a move to diplomacy.

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