Zaluzhnyi reveals details of Wiesbaden HQ in Ukraine's war effort, calls it 'secret weapon'

 

    Valerii Zaluzhnyi, former commander-in-chief and current ambassador to the U.K., looks around the exhibition at The Tank Museum

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s former top military commander and current ambassador to the U.K., has hailed a joint Ukrainian-U.S. coordination hub in Wiesbaden, Germany, as a pivotal “secret weapon” in strategizing military operations throughout Russia’s ongoing invasion.** His remarks, shared via Facebook on April 8, 2024, followed a March 29 *New York Times* (NYT) exposé detailing the facility’s critical role in the conflict.

Zaluzhnyi explained that the headquarters emerged in April 2022 under U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, before relocating to Wiesbaden. It became a cornerstone for real-time operational planning, enabling Ukrainian and NATO officials to align battlefield needs with logistics and weapons procurement. “Over time, we recognized the necessity of a shared operational hub to assess equipment requirements based on mission objectives,” he wrote. 

This collaboration grew urgent by mid-2022, as Western allies questioned the utility of certain arms requested by Kyiv. The Wiesbaden center—bolstered by U.K. support—streamlined NATO-standard operational planning, logistics coordination, and direct communication of supply demands to Washington and European capitals.

According to Zaluzhnyi, the facility facilitated war-gaming simulations, battlefield forecasts, and rapid responses to evolving front-line needs. The NYT investigation further revealed the existence of **“Task Force Dragon,”** a U.S.-led initiative within the Wiesbaden complex that provided Ukrainian forces with real-time intelligence, including geolocation data of Russian military assets—even those inside Russia. This initiative aimed to offset Moscow’s numerical and artillery advantages. Daily, U.S. and Ukrainian officers collaborated to analyze satellite imagery, intercepted communications, and electronic signals, selecting high-value targets for strikes.

The NYT report also highlighted moments of friction and surprise in the U.S.-Ukraine partnership. One notable incident occurred in April 2022, when Ukrainian forces sank the *Moskva*, Russia’s Black Sea flagship cruiser, using Neptune missiles. During a joint intelligence call, U.S. naval officers reportedly observed the vessel’s radar signature vanish, prompting a stunned reaction from Ukrainian counterparts: “Oh my God. Thanks a lot. Bye.”

Additionally, the article detailed strategic disagreements over Ukraine’s 2023 counteroffensive. While plans initially prioritized a push toward Melitopol to sever Russia’s land corridor to Crimea, resources were diverted to the protracted defense of Bakhmut—a decision that sparked debate within Ukrainian and Western circles.

Zaluzhnyi’s leadership tenure ended in February 2024 amid reported tensions over war strategy, culminating in his replacement by General Oleksandr Syrskyi. After months of speculation, he transitioned to diplomacy, assuming the role of Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.K. on July 11, 2024. His recent comments underscore the Wiesbaden hub’s transformative impact, framing it as a linchpin in Kyiv’s ability to synchronize with Western allies—a partnership that continues to shape the trajectory of the war.

The Wiesbaden headquarters not only exemplifies deepened Ukraine-NATO integration but also reflects the evolving nature of modern warfare, where real-time intelligence and multinational coordination have become indispensable tools in countering aggression. As Zaluzhnyi transitions to diplomatic duties, his insights shed light on the behind-the-scenes machinery driving Ukraine’s resilience.