Zelensky appoints ex-Ukrainian Armed Forces commander Zaluzhny ambassador to UK

MOSCOW. May 13 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has appointed Valery Zaluzhny, former commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Ukrainian ambassador to the United Kingdom.

"Valery Zaluzhny shall be appointed Ukrainian ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland," Ukrainian media quoted Zelensky's decree dated May 9, which is available on the official presidential website.

As reported, Zelensky relieved Zaluzhny of his duties as commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and appointed Alexander Syrsky to the post on February 8.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reported on March 7 that Zelensky cleared Zaluzhny's candidacy for the post of Ukrainian ambassador to the UK.

Zelensky signed a decree discharging Zaluzhny from military service on May 9.