Media: Ukraine’s ambassador Zaluzhny may leave UK post for Kyiv in January 2026

Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, could announce his return from London to Kyiv in early January 2026, sources in political and diplomatic circles told Radio NV.

According to four sources, the former commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces informed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy several weeks ago of his desire to return to Ukraine.

The sources said discussions were held on potential roles for Zaluzhnyi in Ukraine.

Various positions were considered, ranging from prime minister to head of the Presidential Office, but sources indicated that at the time, Zaluzhnyi did not express interest in the proposed roles.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi is a Ukrainian four‑star general and diplomat who served as Commander‑in‑Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces from July 2021 until February 2024, earning international recognition for his adaptive leadership during Russia’s 2022 full‑scale invasion.

He began his career after graduating from the Odesa Institute of Land Forces, rising through command positions including brigade and operational command leadership, and was noted for being the first commander without Soviet Army service.

International media dubbed him the “Iron General” for decentralising command and modernising tactics, and Time magazine listed him among the 100 most influential people in the world in 2022.

After his military tenure, he was appointed Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom on 9 May 2024 by presidential decree, officially assuming the role later that year when he presented his credentials in London.

He was later appointed Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organisation on 3 March 2025, in addition to his ambassadorial duties.

By Jeyhun Aghazada