"A reset, a new beginning is necessary," Zelenskiy told the Italian outlet Rai News in an interview broadcast on Sunday night, when asked about rumours of Zaluzhnyi's dismissal.
Zaluzhnyi, who has led the armed forces since before Russia's full-scale invasion, is a largely popular figure among soldiers and society at large, meaning replacing him could be a politically risky decision.
At a meeting last Monday, Zelenskiy told Zaluzhnyi he planned to replace him, according to those with knowledge of the conversation, and offered the general a chance to resign.
But Zaluzhnyi refused to step down.
When news of the conversation leaked, Zelenskiy's press secretary, Serhii Nykyforov, denied it.
"There is no subject of conversation," he told reporters. "There is no order. The president did not dismiss the commander-in-chief." The ministry of defence also denied the rumours.
Now, however, Zelenskiy has admitted he is looking to make major changes, suggesting a broader shakeup of Ukraine's leadership.
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