2 Ukrainian Colonels Accused in Plot to Kill Zelensky

They were allegedly recruited by Russia
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted May 7, 2024 11:06 AM CDT
Ukraine: We Foiled Plot to Kill Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky inspects fortification lines in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine on Tuesday.   (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP)

Two of Volodymyr Zelensky's own colonels are accused of joining a Russian plot to assassinate him. Multiple assassination plots have surfaced previously, but the BBC notes this one stands apart because of the military officers involved. They were allegedly working with Russia's FSB—successor to the KGB—and had been recruited before the war began, per the New York Times. The colonels worked in the Ukraine agency responsible for keeping top officials safe.

Among other things, they're accused of trying to recruit men willing to kidnap and kill Zelensky from among his bodyguards. Both are charged with treason, and one with preparing a terrorist act, reports CNN. Other high-profile targets were Vasyl Maliuk, who runs Ukraine's domestic intelligence agency, and Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, head of military intelligence. (Budanov's wife was reportedly poisoned last year, though she survived.)

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