Former Ukrainian Military Commander Calls US "Dismantling" World Order

JAKARTA - Former Ukrainian military commander who is currently the ambassador to Britain Valeriy Zaluzhnyi said on Thursday the United States was "destroying" the current world order.

General Zaluzhnyi said Ukraine had maintained its independence despite "hostility and threats come, even from friends".

His sharp statement, made at the think tank Chatham House London, comes after US President Donald Trump frozen military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv, in a bid to push President Zelensky into peace negotiations with Russia, while refusing to offer security guarantees to Kyiv.

"Obviously the White House has questioned the unity of the entire Western world," Zaluzhnyi said.

"Because we see that it is not only the axis of evil and Russia trying to revise the world order, but the US has finally destroyed this order," he continued.

European leaders on Thursday said they would support Ukraine, increase its defense budget, to enable them to fight Russia.

Uncle Sam's country has become a major supporter, intelligence, equipment, and financial support very important for Kyiv.

Zaluzhnyi added that Ukraine must accept security guarantees and "must avoid the role of bargaining in any negotiations".

General Zaluzhnyi was widely popular in Ukraine and was seen as a potential challenger for President Zelensky when Ukraine held elections, although he has yet to voice a clear ambition to run.

Elections are currently banned by a military emergency declaration after Russia began a full-scale invasion in February 2022.

President Zelenskiy removed Zaluzhnyi from the post of commander of the Ukrainian armed forces last year after a setback on the battlefield.

Russian troops now control about 20 percent of Ukraine's territory and have gradually advanced in the country's eastern region.