Zaluzhnyi in London has actually become a "silent ambassador" – British observer

Ukraine's Ambassador to the UK Valeriy Zaluzhny is perceived in London as a "silent diplomat" due to his lack of media exposure. This opinion was expressed in a commentary for analysis of LIGA.net by a British observer who regularly communicates with representatives of the defense sector.

"Zaluzhnyi has indeed been successful in communicating with the British defense industry, but his figure remains too big for formal diplomatic boundaries," he emphasized .

According to the source, despite the general sympathy for the "iron general," London has noted that Zaluzhnyi has actually become a "silent ambassador." Since his appointment, he has not given a single major interview to the local press, which is a problem for a diplomat in a key partner country .

One of the reasons is the language barrier. Although the general's English has improved, he is still not fluent, which prevents him from being the "face of Ukraine" on British television.

At his speeches at Chatham House, Zaluzhnyi still prefers to speak in Ukrainian through interpreters. In addition, journalists suggest that he avoids the media in order to avoid answering uncomfortable questions about his relationship with Bankova Street and the reasons for his dismissal from the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"He looks like a man who feels more comfortable in a uniform than in an expensive suit. He has talent and intelligence, but right now he just can't use them to their fullest. It seems that he is dissatisfied with this role – he is simply out of place," said a British journalist .

• At the same time, a hypothetical return of Zaluzhnyi to the Armed Forces is extremely unlikely, as he was declared unfit for military service before being appointed to the diplomatic post, the sources told LIGA.net in the General Staff.
• And the reason for the fake news about Zaluzhny's return to Ukraine is two factors – rumors about his vacation in the Dominican Republic and the intention to derail his political ambitions.