Ukrainian troops training in the UK to battle Russian forces received a stark and sobering address from Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s former commander-in-chief, now serving as the nation’s ambassador to London. Speaking at a bootcamp in southern England, Zaluzhny urged the soldiers to prepare for the brutality of war and to steel themselves for the challenges ahead.
“Remember that the war is becoming more cruel with every day. It leaves almost no chance for survival,” Zaluzhny told the assembled troops, according to The Sun, which accompanied the general on his tour of the facility alongside British Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard.
The seasoned four-star general emphasized the need for unity and resilience among the trainees. “Learn not to be afraid of death,” he said, urging them to forge strong bonds with their comrades. “You still need to complete the task. To do this, you will need to kill. To kill without hesitation.”
Zaluzhny also called on the troops to remain steadfast in their commitment to Ukraine, reminding them of the greater cause they are fighting for. “Love each other and remember Ukraine. If you are gone, maybe someone else will take your place, but Ukraine will be preserved,” he stated.
Zaluzhny’s address comes against the backdrop of his removal from Ukraine’s military leadership earlier this year. In February, President Vladimir Zelensky dismissed Zaluzhny after the general publicly criticized Zelensky’s military strategy, advocating instead for a defensive posture as the conflict reached a stalemate. His ousting and subsequent reassignment to London in May fueled speculation that the move was aimed at sidelining a popular figure seen as a potential political rival.
Since his departure, Russia has gained significant ground in the conflict, shifting the balance of power further in its favor.
The UK remains one of Ukraine’s staunchest allies in its conflict with Russia. British training programs have so far prepared over 50,000 Ukrainian soldiers, according to the UK Ministry of Defence. This assistance builds on the country’s consistent support for Ukraine, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s controversial call for Ukrainians to “just fight” after a 2022 draft truce with Moscow collapsed.
