The Situation Around Valerii Zaluzhnyi
On August 7, 2026, journalist Halyna Ostapovets published a video showing Valerii Zaluzhnyi, former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and current ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom, avoiding comments for the press during a diplomatic forum in the refectory of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Ostapovets noted that there were about ten journalists at the event, and her video garnered over 1 million views.
The video was filmed before the publication and gained popularity on the day it was shared. Halyna Ostapovets attempted to ask Zaluzhnyi a question regarding his perspective on the current stage of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
“I wanted to clarify Mr. Zaluzhnyi’s viewpoint on the current stage of the war between the Russian Federation and Ukraine,” Ostapovets pointed out.According to the journalist, Zaluzhnyi 'almost never comments to the press in the corridors of events.'
Openness of Ukrainian Politicians
Ostapovets also expressed hope that after watching her video, Zaluzhnyi’s position towards the Ukrainian press would change:
“I hope that after my video, which has garnered over 1 million views only on my social media, his attitude towards the Ukrainian press will change.”She emphasized that journalists take comments and videos not for themselves personally, but for society:
“Because we, journalists, do not take these comments and videos for ourselves personally, but for you.”
In response to criticism online, Ostapovets published an explanation in which she thanked both her supporters and critics:
“My dear friends and haters! First of all, I am grateful for your attention to my modest self and my work!”She also noted that the event where the video was filmed 'absolutely anticipated the work of journalists, of whom there were about ten, by the way.'
Thus, the situation around Valerii Zaluzhnyi and his attitude towards the press continues to provoke discussion in society, while Halyna Ostapovets's video became a reason for new questions regarding the openness of Ukrainian politicians.
The situation surrounding Valerii Zaluzhnyi underscores the importance of communication between state officials and the press, especially in the context of the war with Russia. In conditions where information is a key factor for society, the attitude of officials towards journalists can significantly influence public opinion and trust in power. Ostapovets's video, which gained considerable popularity, indicates the need for greater openness and accessibility of information from Ukrainian politicians.