MOSCOW 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday awarded a “Hero of Ukraine” title to Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, after relieving him the day earlier of his duties as commander-in-chief.

Under a decree posted on the presidential website, the award is presented for "outstanding personal achievements in the protection of state sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Ukraine."

The same title was also awarded to the head of Ukraine's military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov.

A presidential decree on Zaluzhnyi's dismissal signed by Zelenskyy was published on Thursday but had been widely expected.

Zaluzhny is accused of being responsible for Ukraine's unsuccessful 2023 counteroffensive against Russia and is also suspected of having presidential ambitions.

Russia started its "special military operation" in Ukraine in February 2022, and as it approaches its third year, prospects for its conclusion remain unclear.