Birthday of the 'Iron General' - What is known about Zaluzhnyi.

On Tuesday, July 8, former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi celebrates his birthday. The general turns 52 years old.

What is known about Valerii Zaluzhnyi - reports Novyny.LIVE.

Biography of General Zaluzhnyi

Valerii Zaluzhnyi was born on July 8, 1973, in the city of Novograd-Volynskyi, now known as Zviahel, in a military family. From a young age, he dreamed of serving in the army. He studied at the General Military Faculty of the Odessa Institute of Land Forces, graduating with honors in 1997.

After graduation, he gradually went through all the key stages of his military career - from platoon commander to battalion commander, including positions in training and combat units.

As the best graduate of the operational-strategic level training of the National Defense University of Ukraine, Valerii Zaluzhnyi was awarded a special honor - the Queen of Great Britain's transitional sword.

In mid-July 2014, he was appointed Deputy Commander of Sector 'C', which was being formed in Donetsk region. Since then, he has led almost all the units created there. As of 2017 - Chief of Staff - First Deputy Commander of the troops of the Operational Command 'West'.

In mid-July 2014, he took the position of Deputy Commander of Sector 'C', which was formed in the Donetsk region. Subsequently, he led most of the combat formations operating in that direction. As of 2017, he was the Chief of Staff and First Deputy Commander of the troops of the Operational Command 'West'.

On July 27, 2021, the President appointed Valerii Zaluzhnyi as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

On March 7, 2024, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky approved the candidacy of Valerii Zaluzhnyi for the position of Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry sent a corresponding request to the British side for agrément, which is one of the preliminary stages of the process of appointing the head of a diplomatic mission.

On May 8, 2024, he was dismissed from military service due to health reasons with the right to wear military uniforms.

On May 9, 2024, he was appointed Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. On July 11, 2024, he began to perform duties as Ukraine's Ambassador to Great Britain.

Interesting Facts about the 'Iron General'

Zaluzhnyi became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who did not have service experience in the Soviet Army. At the Time of his graduation from the first military academy in 1997, the Soviet Union no longer existed.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi has been repeatedly awarded state honors for exceptional bravery, dedication to the people, and high professionalism.

On December 12, 2016, the general received the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi of the third degree for personal bravery and selflessness demonstrated in the defense of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as for loyalty to the military oath.

During the full-scale war, on May 6, 2022, he was awarded the Cross of Combat Merit for distinguished personal achievements in the struggle for the country's independence, selfless service to the people, and perseverance at the front.

On February 8, 2024, the President of Ukraine awarded Valerii Zaluzhnyi the title of Hero of Ukraine with the Order of the 'Golden Star'. The decree noted that he received this highest state award for exceptional merits in defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state.

It should be noted that Ambassador of Ukraine to Great Britain Valerii Zaluzhnyi expressed skepticism regarding the return to Ukraine's borders as of 1991 under current conditions. He noted that as long as Russia possesses sufficient resources to conduct a protracted war, one should not expect a rapid restoration of complete territorial integrity.

Earlier we wrote about which Ukrainian politicians and officials evoke the greatest trust among citizens. The leader in trust was Valerii Zaluzhnyi - the former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who now represents Ukraine on the diplomatic front as Ambassador to Great Britain.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi was born and went through a military career, defining Ukraine's path on the world stage and gaining recognition as a hero and diplomat. His long path of development in the army is a testament to his dedication and bravery, and his appointment as ambassador demonstrates high trust in him as a representative of Ukraine in other countries.