V. Zalužnas, at 52 years old, has chosen to refrain from discussing his political ambitions, citing concern for national unity during the ongoing war with Russia, which has persisted for nearly four years. However, in a recent interview with The Associated Press, he hinted at a potential desire to run for presidency post-war and revealed for the first time significant disagreements between him and President Zelensky. The tensions reportedly began shortly after Russia's large-scale invasion in February 2022, leading to frequent disputes over the best strategies to defend Ukraine.

The relationship between Zalužnas and Zelensky has reportedly deteriorated further throughout 2022. Zalužnas described a particularly troubling incident where agents from Ukraine's security services stormed into his office, an event he claims was a form of intimidation. This breach of trust occurred during a critical time when presenting a united front was crucial for the nation's survival against the Russian aggression. His comments suggest that these conflicts could have implications for the leadership dynamics in Ukraine as the war continues.

While Zalužnas has avoided making any definitive statements regarding his political aspirations during the crisis, his acknowledgment of the conflicts with Zelensky marks a significant development in Ukraine’s military and political landscape. This tension could impact the way the Ukrainian defense strategy is managed moving forward, especially as military leaders and political figures navigate the complexities of a prolonged conflict with Russia.