When Ukrainian war hero Valery Zaluzhny was fired as the head of the military a month ago, all talk was on what his new role would be. The logical option seemed to keep the general among Ukraine’s military command, where he could share his valuable experience of fighting the war with Russia. But instead, he is being sent to London as Ukraine’s ambassador to Great Britain. According to president Zelensky, Zaluzhny requested the posting himself.

It was rumoured at the time that, when Zaluzhny was fired, he was given two options: become Zelensky’s adviser or head to London. At the time, sources suggested Zaluzhny turned down both offers. Now, he has accepted the new role.

The Ukrainian ambassadorial seat in London has been empty since July last year, following Zelensky’s dismissal of Vadym Prystayko, one of his close associates. The president didn’t explain why he sacked him. It occurred shortly after Prystayko criticised Zelensky for his ‘unhealthy sarcasm’ towards former defence secretary Ben Wallace, who suggested that Ukraine should show more gratitude to its allies. Zelensky, as a former comedian, answered Ukrainians ‘can wake up (every) morning and thank him’.

Zaluzhny is often spoken about as a Wellington or Eisenhower figure

Ukraine has a long-standing and sometimes unhealthy tradition of sending former ministers and officials to be ambassadors to different countries. Recent examples include ex-prosecutor general Iryna Venediktova’s appointment as ambassador to Switzerland (and later Liechtenstein) and former minister of strategic industry Pavel Ryabikin’s assignment as ambassador to China.

Zaluzhny, 50, is often spoken about as a Wellington or Eisenhower figure: a famous military leader with a following big enough to take him into politics. If he ever decides to pursue a political career, the ambassadorship in the capital of one of Ukraine’s closest allies is a good place to be. Aside from his military experience, Zaluzhny has a master’s degree in international relations, and there is no doubt he can bring more to the Kyiv-London partnership. Also, in Britain, he won’t have a chance to damage his sky-high approval ratings (at the moment, 94 per cent against Zelensky’s 64 per cent), while Zelensky’s popularity can vanish if the war ends badly for Ukraine.

Until now, Zaluzhny rarely appeared on TV and tried to avoid publicity. We will now see whether the London transfer will turn him from The General into a politician.