Zelensky Appoints Commanders, Predicts War's End, and Raises Concerns About US Aid

Zelensky Appoints Army Corps Commanders, Budanov Predicts War's End in 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed 18 army corps commanders, according to journalist Yuriy Butusov. These commanders will lead their respective corps on the front lines and receive a permanent set of troops.

Most brigades are being consolidated into 18 corps, with most consisting of five brigades. One exception will have seven brigades. The ground forces will have 13 corps, the airborne assault forces will have two, the marines will have one, and the National Guard will have two.

Butusov also reported that the corps will be led by prominent figures such as Ruslan Shevchuk, Roman Darmohray, Vasyl Matiyev, Dmytro Voloshyn, Andriy Biletsky, Denys Prokopenko, and Ihor Obolensky.

Meanwhile, Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, believes the war will end in 2025. He cited Russia's lack of strength and the high financial cost of the war as reasons for his prediction.

Concerns and Conditions

President Zelensky expressed concerns about the terms of the US aid agreement, which requires Ukraine to return two dollars for every dollar received. He highlighted this clause in red and questioned its necessity.

He emphasized the need for a "win-win" agreement that benefits both the US and Ukraine. He also pointed out that the presence of American companies in Ukraine, even in occupied territories before the war, did not deter Russia from invading.

Zelensky's primary goal is to force Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the active phase of the war, which he believes is everyone's desire. He also clarified that there were no hints of the US halting its aid to Ukraine.