MOSCOW, March 7. /TASS/. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has approved former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Valery Zaluzhny as the country’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, the Ukrainian foreign ministry said.

"On Thursday, March 7, 2024, the Ukrainian president approved Valery Zaluzhny as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Ukrainian foreign ministry has referred a corresponding request of an agrement to the British side," it said.

The ministry’s press statement appeared practically simultaneously with reports about Zelensky’s meeting with visiting UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps.

Zelensky dismissed Valery Zaluzhny as the country’s commander-in-chief on February 8, citing the stagnation on the frontline and the need for changes among the top brass as a reason. However, on the following day, Zaluzhny was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian mass media has been speculating about Zaluzhny’s potential presidential ambitions and his rivalry with Zelensky. Thus, according to an opinion poll of March 5, he might count on 41% of votes vs Zelensky’s 23.7% in the first round of voting and 67.5% vs 32.5% in the runoff voting should the election be held.