"If such guarantees are not given, [Zelensky's office] will try to fire the commander-in-chief. And not just fire [him], but with the maximum discrediting," the source was quoted as saying by the news website.
However, the realization of such plans can be affected by Western countries in the future, the source reportedly added.
Serious differences between Zelensky and Zaluzhny have bubbled to the surface due to Kiev's counteroffensive. In early November, Zaluzhny gave an interview to the Economist in which he stated that the counteroffensive was "at a stalemate" — claims that were later rejected and harshly criticized by Zelensky as playing into the hands of Russia. The Ukrainian president also warned Zaluzhny to manage military affairs rather than "do politics and run for elections," although the latter has not officially voiced any political aspirations so far.
A presidential election is supposed to take place in Ukraine in March 2024 in accordance with the country's legislation. However, the Ukrainian constitution prohibits holding elections under martial law, which has been in effect in the country since the beginning of Russia's military operation. On November 8, the Ukrainian parliament approved the extension of martial law in the country for the ninth time, until February 14, 2024.