Reported frictions between President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and General Valeriy Zaluzhnyi burst into the open in November after Zaluzhnyi was quoted by the Economist as saying the war as at a "stalemate", a gloomy assessment that jarred with Zelenskiy's more optimistic vision. Given Zaluznhyi's popularity and proven ability as an inspiring commander, the fact that Zelenskiy is replacing him may reflect the desire for a new approach on the battlefield.