{Breaking News}: Two Ukrainian Colonels Arrested for Plot to Assassinate President Zelensky
Russia-backed conspiracy was uncovered and the assassination attempt thwarted.
Ukrainian Authorities Thwart Russian Plot
In a shocking revelation, Ukraine's State Security Service (SBU) announced on Tuesday that two colonels from the agency responsible for protecting government leaders have been arrested for plotting to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelensky. The plan was allegedly orchestrated as a "gift" to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was inaugurated for his fifth term this week.
Inside the Foiled Conspiracy
The suspects, whose identities remain undisclosed, were colonels in Ukraine's State Protection Department. They were believed to have been recruited by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) to infiltrate Ukrainian security and provide intelligence on the whereabouts of Zelensky and other key officials. Their plan was to take the President hostage and then kill him.
Expanding Their Deadly Reach
Beyond targeting Zelensky, the FSB also sought to eliminate the head of the SBU, Vasyl Maliuk, and Kyrylo Budanov, the Chief of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence. According to the SBU, Budanov was to be killed before Orthodox Easter in a rocket and drone attack.
A Dramatic Failure for the FSB
Maliuk called this operation “a failure of the Russian special services,” noting that it demonstrated their frustration and increasing reliance on desperate tactics. The arrested colonels were charged with treason and aiding in the preparation of a terrorist act, as confirmed by Ukraine's General Prosecutor's office. "However, we must not forget—the enemy is strong and experienced and cannot be underestimated," he added.
Weapons Cache Uncovered
Evidence of the conspiracy includes anti-personnel mines, drones with explosives, and rocket launcher ammunition. The weapons were allegedly hidden along the Kyiv-Odessa highway, waiting for the signal to strike.
A Long-Standing Scheme
The arrested colonels reportedly worked for the FSB even before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. Payments were made covertly to relatives abroad over several years.
A History of Assassination Attempts
This plot isn't the first time Ukraine's leadership has been targeted. In April, Polish authorities foiled another attempt, arresting a man suspected of gathering intelligence to assist in an attempt on Zelensky's life. Putin's government denies involvement in these acts but continues to escalate its threats against Ukraine.
Global Attention Focused on Ukraine's Security
The arrest of the two colonels has sent shockwaves across Ukraine and the world, underscoring the ongoing risks faced by President Zelensky and other officials. While the authorities remain vigilant, this thwarted attempt serves as a chilling reminder of the lengths Russia is willing to go in its efforts to destabilise Ukraine.
