Earlier this week, Ukrainian state security uncovered an assassination plot involving two state guards targeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. As a result, Zelenskyy has fired the head of the state guards, Serhiy Rud, and a replacement has not yet been named. The plot, which was meant to be a “gift” for Russian President Vladimir Putin, involved the two colonels planning to take Zelenskyy hostage and later kill him, along with targeting other key officials. The SBU also alleged that the two bodyguards had passed sensitive information to Russia’s FSB.
This is not the first assassination attempt that Zelenskyy has faced, as he has stated that at least five Russian plots have been foiled since the war began. Zelenskyy’s administration has been facing challenges in recent months, leading to staff changes and accusations of corruption. In February, Zelenskyy appointed Oleksandr Syrskyii as the new army chief after dismissing General Valerii Zaluzhny from the position in response to the stalled progress in the country’s conflict with Russia.