Several factions exist within Ukraine. The main ones are Zelensky’s ruling clique (who himself represents a collection of oligarchic interests whose engagement with him used to be managed byYermak), former Commander-in-Chief-turned-Ambassador-to-the-UKZaluzhny(and the armed forces in general), and former GUR chief-turned-Chief-of-StaffBudanov(who still represents the intelligence faction). Their interplay is becoming more complicated just as Ukraine’s diplomatic and political dynamics are too.
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The Economistrecently reported that
“Divisions are emerging within Ukraine’s delegation. One wing, centred on Mr Budanov, believes Ukraine’s interests are best served by a swift American-led agreement, and fears the window for action may soon close. But another wing, apparently still influenced by the controversial former chief of staff Andriy Yermak, who departed in a corruption scandal, is much less keen. Mr Zelensky appears to be balancing between them, while also having his own ideas.”
This was then followed by theNew York Timesreporting that
“In negotiations over recent weeks, officials have discussed the idea of forming a demilitarized zone controlled by neither army…To make it easier for both sides to accept the idea, negotiators have also discussed forming a free-trade zone in any possible demilitarized area.”
In light of The Economist’s report right beforehand, this suggests that Budanov’s faction is pushing its agenda at the expense of the Yermak-aligned one that’s associated with Zelensky.
Right after, theAssociated Presspublished an interview with Zaluzhny where he revealed that “dozens of agents from Ukraine’s domestic intelligence service raided Zaluzhnyi’s office” sometime in 2022. He also called Yermak at the time and threatened that
“I will fight you and have already called in reinforcements to the center of Kyiv for support.”
Source: Global Research
