Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian security services have intercepted a Russian plot aimed at assassinating President Volodymyr Zelensky and other high-ranking officials, according to the State Security Service (SBU). The thwarted operation involved the arrest of two Ukrainian government protection unit colonels who were allegedly part of a network working for the Russian state security service (FSB).
The targeted officials, which included military intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov and SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk, were being surveilled by the group of agents. The plotters had reportedly planned to use Mr. Zelensky’s bodyguards as potential “executors” to carry out the kidnapping and assassination.
The SBU revealed that one of the arrested officers had already purchased drones and anti-personnel mines for the planned attack. The operation, intended to be a “gift to Putin before the inauguration” of Russia’s Vladimir Putin, was ultimately deemed a failure by the Ukrainian authorities.
SBU head Vasyl Malyuk emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant against such threats, acknowledging the strength and experience of the enemy. The two Ukrainian officials are currently in custody on charges of treason and preparing a terrorist act, with three FSB employees identified as key figures overseeing the plot.
The FSB employees, including Dmytro Perlin and Oleksiy Kornev, were reported to have been recruiting moles and holding secretive meetings in neighboring European states in preparation for the attack. Reports suggest that Russian forces have been attempting to eliminate President Zelensky since the beginning of the conflict between the two nations.
The revelations of the foiled assassination plot underscore the ongoing tensions and security risks faced by Ukrainian officials as they navigate the challenging geopolitical landscape in the region. The incident highlights the complex dynamics at play between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the continued efforts to destabilize and undermine the Ukrainian government and its leadership.
The swift action taken by Ukrainian security forces to prevent the potential attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by policymakers and officials in the country, underscoring the need for enhanced security measures and vigilance in the face of external threats.