The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) claims it has thwarted a Russian scheme aimed at assassinating President Volodymyr Zelensky and other senior Ukrainian officials.
Two Ukrainian government protection unit colonels have been apprehended in connection with the plot, allegedly linked to a network of agents affiliated with the Russian state security service (FSB).
According to the SBU, the arrested officers were allegedly seeking potential “executors” among Zelensky’s bodyguards to facilitate the abduction and assassination of the president.
Additionally, targets included Kyrylo Budanov, head of military intelligence, and SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk.
The group purportedly aimed to carry out an attack before Orthodox Easter, utilizing a mole to gather intelligence on Budanov’s whereabouts for a coordinated assault involving rockets and drones.
One of the detained officers had allegedly procured drones and anti-personnel mines, indicating advanced planning.
SBU head Vasyl Malyuk described the intended attack as a gesture “to Putin before the inauguration,” alluding to Vladimir Putin’s recent re-inauguration for a fifth presidential term.
Malyuk characterized the operation as a failure for Russian special services but cautioned against underestimating the adversary’s capabilities.
The arrested Ukrainian officials face charges of treason and terrorism preparation.
The SBU asserts that three FSB operatives supervised the operation, with one reportedly involved in recruiting moles prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Another FSB member allegedly held clandestine meetings in neighboring European countries ahead of the invasion with one of the arrested Ukrainian colonels.
Reports indicate ongoing efforts by Russian forces to target Zelensky, with recent arrests underscoring international cooperation against such threats.
Source-BBC
