Rosalind Evans
A suspected Russian informant has been apprehended about an alleged scheme to murder Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to a statement from the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) on Monday.
Though not publicly identified, the accused woman hails from the Mykolaiv region in southern Ukraine. The SBU claims she was collecting information about Zelensky’s impending visit to Mykolaiv in late July, potentially to coordinate a Russian airstrike to eliminate the president.
However, proactive SBU agents had prior knowledge of the suspect’s purported “malicious intent,” prompting intensified security precautions, thereby preventing the assassination plot.
The SBU reports arresting the woman “in the act” while she attempted to relay information to the presumed adversaries. Surveillance of her communications revealed her additional assignment of pinpointing electronic warfare systems’ locations and ammunition storage facilities of the military. Allegedly, she roamed the district, documenting various Ukrainian military assets.
Investigators identified the suspect as a resident of Ochakov in the Mykolaiv region who previously worked as a salesperson in a military shop.
Zelensky’s Past Threats
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Zelensky has been the target of numerous assassination plots. At the onset of the conflict, Russian special units had a mission to neutralize the Ukrainian leader.
An April 2022 TIME feature recounted how Russian soldiers attempted to invade Kyiv, seeking to capture or kill Zelensky and his family on February 24, just a day into the war. As battles raged in Kyiv, the president’s security used makeshift barriers to secure the presidential residence.
Oleksiy Arestovych, a former military intelligence officer, recollected the chaos, saying, “Automatics for everyone,” highlighting the extreme measures taken to protect the president.
Defying the advice of his security team and offers from British and American troops for evacuation, Zelensky famously retorted, “I need ammo, not a ride.” Demonstrating resilience, he later recorded a video message amid ongoing skirmishes nearby.
Persistent Threats
Mykhailo Podolyak, a Ukrainian presidential counsellor, commented last March that the president had evaded over a dozen assassination endeavours. He emphasized the Russian focus on targeting Zelensky as their primary objective.
In a CNN interview before this recent assassination attempt, Zelensky remarked on the ever-present danger, emphasizing his desire to remain connected with the people. He stressed that it’s vital for Ukrainians to recognize their president is similarly at risk, affirming his solidarity with them. Zelensky concluded by entrusting his safety to security experts, allowing him to concentrate on broader national issues.
The enduring resilience of President Zelensky in the face of persistent threats underscores his commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty and its people. As the nation continues to grapple with external pressures, the president’s unwavering stance and determination have undoubtedly inspired many domestically and internationally. The latest thwarted assassination attempt is a poignant reminder of the high stakes and the profound courage required in leadership during such tumultuous times.
