Zelensky fires security chief after discovery of assassination plot: Global: Business Times

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Ukrainian security apparatus fired the head of the State Security Administration (UDO), Serhii Rud, just days after Ukrainian authorities revealed a foiled assassination attempt on him. The resignation, confirmed by a presidential decree, comes amid escalating tensions and ongoing security threats facing the Ukrainian leader from Russian agents.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) recently announced that it had intercepted a complex plot orchestrated by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) aimed at eliminating Zelensky. According to the SBU, the plan involved insiders within the UDO, specifically two colonels who have since been detained. These insiders allegedly conspired to kidnap the Ukrainian president, which ultimately led to his assassination.

The detailed plan described by the SBU involved leaking sensitive information to the FSB, which would then coordinate a missile strike on locations visited by Ukrainian officials. Subsequent attacks would use drones and another missile to destroy evidence of drone use, according to the SBU findings shared on Telegram.

According to Vasyl Malyuk, head of the SBU, the timing of the plot was intended as a grim “gift” for Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of his inauguration for a fifth term. Malyuk emphasized the continued and sophisticated threat posed by Russian intelligence, saying: “The enemy is strong and experienced, he cannot be underestimated.”

This is not the first time Zelensky has been targeted since the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022. In an interview with The Sun last November, Zelensky commented on the numerous assassination attempts he has eluded, orchestrated by Moscow – a claim that Russian officials have consistently denied.

To further complicate the security landscape, the SBU, in coordination with Polish law enforcement, last month arrested a Polish citizen accused of colluding with the FSB to plan Zelenskiy’s assassination during his visit to Poland.

The recent revelations of conspiracies and the subsequent dismissal of the UDO chief underline the precarious position of the Ukrainian leadership as it wields both external aggression and internal betrayal. The Kremlin has not yet responded to these latest allegations, maintaining its usual silence on claims of its involvement in assassination attempts against Zelensky.

As Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty more than two years after the conflict, stability and loyalty within its protective services remain critical. Zelensky’s decision to dismiss Serhii Rud reflects an urgent recalibration of his security strategy, aiming to strengthen his security against an ever-persistent threat from across the border.

Zelensky’s government has not yet announced a successor to Rud, signaling a careful and possibly extensive search for a candidate who can powerfully protect the president from the elaborate and deadly plans of his opponents.

Related Posts