Valerii Zaluzhnyi
Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK
General Valerii Zaluzhnyi has served as Ukraine's Ambassador to the United Kingdom since 2024. Prior to his diplomatic appointment, he was the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (2021–24),r where he led Ukraine’s defence during the full-scale Russian invasion, overseeing the country’s military strategy and transformation in wartime conditions. Before becoming Commander-in-Chief, he held several senior military positions, including Commander of the Operational Command “North” (2019–21), Chief of the Joint Operational Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (2018), and First Deputy Commander of the Joint Forces Operation. He has extensive experience in operational planning, command, and military reform. He is a graduate of the National Academy of Defence of Ukraine. Ambassador Zaluzhnyi is widely regarded as a high-level military analyst and a leading expert in modern warfare and technology.
Updated: April 30, 2026