The Kremlin has disputed US media claims that Russia had compiled a list of Ukrainians to kidnap or murder in the event of a conflict. But it would appear that currently, a few Russian assassination squads are hunting Zelensky.
According to Ukraine’s Intelligence Directorate, more mercenaries linked to the Russian Wagner private army group landed in Ukraine on Sunday with the goal of attempting to assassinate prominent Ukrainian military and political officials.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Presidential Chief of Staff Andrii Yermak, and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal were among the mercenaries’ top targets, according to the directorate.
As per the Directorate, Russian President Vladimir Putin “personally ordered another attack by one of his proxies,” All prior efforts have failed and resulted in the death of terrorists.
According to The New York Times, Zelensky was almost killed three times in the week of March 4.
On March 1, Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov reported that a Chechen assassination plot was averted after the squad was “eliminated.” The Kadyrovites, a Chechen paramilitary group that aided Russian soldiers in their occupation of Ukraine, had a special unit.
The Wagner mercenary squad, which itself is tied to the Russian government, would be the other squad.
Both organizations were thwarted by “anti-war elements within Russia’s Federal Security Service,” according to the Times.
According to the Intelligence Directorate, Russia is aiming to disrupt and dishearten Ukraine through assassinations as well as other means.
Prior to the war, Foreign Policy magazine alleged that US intelligence agencies had learned of a roster of Ukrainian officials, activists, and Russian and Belarusian dissidents who might be targeted by Russia if they attacked Ukraine.
According to Reuters on February 21, the Kremlin disputed US media claims that Russia had compiled a list of Ukrainians to kidnap or murder in the event of a conflict.
“Past Russian operations have included targeted killings, kidnappings/forced disappearances, detentions, and the use of torture,” an intelligence official reportedly told Foreign Policy.
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“As per the Directorate…”, “According to The New York Times…”
I find it difficult to believe these sources.