Zaluzhnyi dismissal rumors stir up social media in Ukraine and Russia

The rumors stoked reactions both among Ukrainians, among whom Zaluzhnyi enjoys great authority and trust in the country, as well as Russians, who consider him one of their chief enemies.

For their part, Russians quickly began celebrating his dismissal, fantasizing about a military coup that might overthrow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Unfortunately for them, the Defense Ministry and the President’ Office denied the rumors shortly after.

Most Ukrainians, realizing that the news was probably not true, began to mock it as an information-psychological operation (IPO) aimed at the Russians and their hyperactive propaganda mouthpieces

Some jokingly began searching for a "worthy replacement" for Zaluzhnyi, though many also cautioned against jumping to conclusions, convinced that the situation was still unclear.

Most simply sighed with relief.

Zaluzhnyi himself has not commented on any this.