The Economist claims that the rumors about Valeriy Zaluzhnyi's resignation as the head of the Armed Forces were not unfounded. According to their information, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky really made such a decision. He intended to sign a decree of dismissal, and Budanov was supposed to take over as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, but refused "at the last minute." The publication cites several people in the Ukrainian government who are familiar with the course of events. 

"So far, Zelensky has not announced that the general is being replaced. But this does not mean that General Zaluzhnyi's job is safe. Perhaps he just hasn't been replaced yet," The Economist writes.

According to the publication, on Monday, January 29, the president offered Zaluzhnyi the post of NSDC secretary. The general refused. However, Zelensky made it clear that he "would fire Zaluzhnyi regardless of his consent."

The publication names two generals as candidates for Zaluzhnyi's position: Oleksandr Syrskyi and Kyrylo Budanov.

"Both are considered to be close to the presidential team," the publication writes. 

The Economist also claims that Zaluzhnyi's resignation is a matter of time, as Zelensky has made such a decision.