SBU Responds to Zaluzhnyi's Claims: Visit Confirmed, But Not a Search

Commentary from Ukraine's Security Service

According to Главком: Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has issued a statement addressing claims made by former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, regarding a 2022 incident at his command post. The SBU confirmed that its officers visited Zaluzhnyi's covert command center but firmly denied conducting any search operation. According to the service's press office, the SBU's actions were part of a separate criminal investigation targeting organized crime.

Conflicts and Investigative Actions

Zaluzhnyi has previously spoken of conflicts with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and described what he alleged were searches of his office. It is known that in September 2022, dozens of SBU officers arrived at Zaluzhnyi's command post, where several British army officers were also present at the time. Zaluzhnyi stated that he personally prevented the SBU personnel from going through documents and computers.

The SBU clarified that its investigative steps were linked to an address featured in a criminal case, which housed one of Zaluzhnyi's backup command posts.

"In fact, no searches or investigative actions by the SBU took place at this address. Furthermore, Vasyl Maliuk and Valerii Zaluzhnyi communicated this immediately and personally, and the situation was clarified,"

the press service noted. Zaluzhnyi also gave an interview to the Associated Press, where he discussed plans for a 2023 counteroffensive.

This episode highlights the complex and sometimes strained dynamics between Ukraine's military leadership and its political administration during the ongoing war. Such public disagreements among senior officials can potentially affect military and public morale. The SBU's clarification underscores the critical importance of maintaining security protocols for military installations and aims to prevent public misunderstandings during a period of national crisis.