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WORLD NEWS Thursday 1 February 2024

Rumors that Ukraine’s top commander may be dismissed expose

rifts in Ukraine top brass

Associated Press at odds with Zelenskyy
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Rifts since saying in an interview
within Ukraine’s top lead- with The Economist last
ership have burst into the year that the fighting with
open following swirling ru- Russia had stalemated. The
mors that the country’s top president denied that was
military chief will be dis- the case.
missed amid reported ten- Reports about Zaluzh-
sions with President Volody- nyi’s possible dismissal ap-
myr Zelenskyy. peared in Ukrainian media
The rumors that Valerii Za- Monday. Ukraine’s Mirror
luzhnyi would be sacked of the Week said, citing
were denied by Zelenskyy’s unidentified sources close
office and the Defense Min- to Zelenskyy and Zaluzh-
istry this week and the im- nyi, that the president had
mensely popular top com- asked the general to step
mander still retains his post. down. Zaluzhnyi was of-
But the reports have fueled fered a post as an adviser,
expectations of his immi- but he rejected that, ac-
nent resignation, which cording to the reports.
could be a boon for Russia The Associated Press could
as the war approaches its not confirm the reports.
second anniversary. Requests for comment
His departure would be the In this photo provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office, Commander-in-Chief of by Ukrainian officials, the
Ukraine’s Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi, front, attends an event for marking Statehood Day in
most severe shakeup of Mykhailivska Square in Kyiv, on July 28, 2023. president’s office and Za-
Ukraine’s top military brass Associated Press luzhnyi’s office were not
since the Russian invasion answered. Russian state
as the country grapples to fuel the next phase of a very good explanation by forces, including those media delighted Wednes-
with dire ammunition and the fight is blocked in the which is understandable inside the United States, day at Western reports on
personnel shortages follow- U.S. Congress, and Ukrai- to Ukrainians,” said Oleksii which are delaying sup- the rumors, covering the
ing a failed summer coun- nian forces are digging in Haran, research director at plies of arms to Ukraine. story several times during
teroffensive. It also could to defend positions against the Democratic Initiatives So this won’t be a good the flagship discussion pro-
hurt the morale of Ukraini- advancing Russian troops. Foundation in Kyiv. thing,” Haran said. gram “60 Minutes” on the
an troops, who have been “Zelensky has the right “We know that if Zaluzhnyi Zaluzhnyi enjoys wide- Russia 1 television channel
fighting grinding battles for to remove Zaluzhnyi. But is dismissed right now, it will spread popularity across as well as during news bul-
nearly two years. he needs to have a very be used by Russian pro- the country and the mili- letins on the news channel
Much needed military aid good justification for that, paganda, it will be used tary, but he has had been Russia 24.q

EU to launch a Red Sea naval mission within 3 weeks to protect

ships from continued Houthi attacks

BRUSSELS (AP) — The Euro- have waged a persistent mercial ships over Israel’s October. However, the “This is the purpose: protec-
pean Union plans to launch campaign of drone and offensive in Gaza against Yemen-based rebels have tion of the ships. Intercept-
a naval mission in the Red missile attacks on com- Hamas which began in frequently targeted vessels ing of the attacks against
Sea within three weeks to with tenuous or no clear the ships. Not participat-
help defend cargo ships links to Israel, imperiling ing in any kind of action
against attacks by Houthi shipping in a key route for against the Houthis. Only
rebels in Yemen that are global trade between Asia, blocking the attacks of the
hampering trade and driv- the Mideast and Europe. Houthis,” Borrell told report-
ing up prices, the bloc’s top Last week, U.S. and Brit- ers before chairing a meet-
diplomat said Wednesday. ish forces bombed mul- ing of EU defense ministers
EU foreign policy chief Jo- tiple targets in eight loca- in Brussels.
sep Borrell said that he ex- tions used by the Iranian- The ministers discussed
pects the bloc’s foreign backed Houthis. It was the which member country
ministers to sign off on the second time the two allies should lead the naval ef-
mission when they meet conducted coordinated fort France, Greece and
on Feb. 19. Officials say retaliatory strikes on the Italy are vying for that role
that seven EU countries are rebels’ missile-launching and where the mission’s
ready to provide ships or capabilities. headquarters should be
planes. Borrell insisted that the EU based, but no decisions
Belgium has already com- This photograph provided by the Indian Navy shows mission dubbed Aspides, were made public.
mitted to send a frigate. U.S.-owned ship Genco Picardy that came under attack from the Greek for “shield” Greek Defense Minis-

Germany is expected to do Wednesday from a bomb-carrying drone launched by will not take part in any mili- ter Nikos Dendias said
the same. Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden, Thursday, Jan.18, tary strikes and will only op- that his country’s bid was
2024.
The Iranian-backed Houthis Associated Press erate at sea. welcomed.q