Zaluzhny compares Putin to Hitler, emphasizing what Ukraine and the world must do to achieve victory in the war.
Russia is receiving support from China, Iran, and North Korea, but historians will only be able to accurately determine in 100 years whether the war involving the Russian Federation qualifies as a world war. Meanwhile, the world has the experience of two global conflicts, with the Second World War witnessing the defeat of the brutal dictator, leader of the Nazi Reich, Adolf Hitler. Historical experience shows that even the most terrifying dictatorships can be overcome. Regarding how Ukraine should act under current conditions, former commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and current ambassador to the UK, Valeriy Zaluzhny, wrote in a column on the "Ukrainian Truth" portal.
Zaluzhny's Statement — Position on Victory in War
Zaluzhny's column was published on the anniversary of the liberation of prisoners from the largest Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau, located in Oswiecim, southern Poland. The former commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine compared the circumstances under which Reich leader Adolf Hitler operated 80 years ago with those of the current head of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin. He noted that their actions in both instances led to a major war. The allies found a way to defeat Hitler 80 years ago, the author of the column reminded. Zaluzhny emphasized that there is a real possibility to eliminate the dictator and bring an end to Putin's war. He hopes that victory will come from the mistakes that dictators tend to make.
"But it is certain (and history confirms this) that what dictatorial regimes cannot do is avoid fatal mistakes," he wrote.
Zaluzhny's Ideas for Ending the War
The former military leader outlined a rough direction for action. According to Zaluzhny, Ukraine needs a new strategy with the following steps:
- gaining control of the situation on the battlefield;
- creating a system that allows the country to survive;
- implementing new technological solutions.
Analogy Between Hitler and Putin
Zaluzhny listed historical events that occurred 80 years ago and over the last 11 years, which became mistakes for Western politicians. Among other things, he recalled the Olympic Games, which took place in both cases just before a major war. He mentioned the cover of The Times featuring Hitler and Putin, the annexation of Austria and Crimea, and more. He pointed out that just as back then, the world is currently engaged in appeasing the aggressor while he gains new allies.
"Because while the West continued to fear Putin's 'red lines' and recited prayers about the need to avoid escalation, China, North Korea, and Iran were already uniting around Russia," the column states.
In addition to appeasement, Western politicians have delayed providing assistance, Zaluzhny noted. As a result, the war has entered a protracted phase, and new technological solutions have emerged on the battlefield, altering everything and introducing new threats, he wrote.
"We have entered a state of protracted war, the exit from which is still ahead. The latest technologies have appeared at the front, which are already becoming decisive and will change the global security landscape of the future," Zaluzhny concluded.
It is worth noting that General Zaluzhny periodically publishes articles analyzing the current situation in the Russian-Ukrainian war. One such publication appeared in February 2024, where the former commander outlined three things Ukraine should implement: providing the Armed Forces of Ukraine with high-tech weaponry, learning to fight with limited resources, and mastering new methods of warfare.
We remind you that on January 27, Politico spoke with its sources in the EU, who reported positive signals regarding the end of the war in the Russian Federation.