FSB Plot Targeting Zelenskyy Foiled by Ukrainian Secret Services

Two Ukrainian colonels arrested for allegedly collaborating with Russian FSB to assassinate President Zelenskyy; assassination attempt planned as "gift" for Putin's inauguration.

Ukrainian authorities have foiled an assassination attempt targeting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, arresting two colonels from the Ukrainian forces who were allegedly plotting with Russian intelligence agency FSB.

The Ukrainian Secret Service (SBU) detained two "traitor" colonels after an investigation revealed a plot to eliminate Zelenskyy as a "gift" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The plot was orchestrated by the 5th department of the FSB, according to SBU.

The colonels, identified as Colonel Andrei Gun and Colonel Derkach, agreed to betray their country for $50,000, with the potential for an increase to $80,000. Prior to their arrest, the colonels spied on Zelenskyy and provided information to FSB on the presidential guard and his movements.

Ukrainian intelligence intercepts released audio exchanges between the colonels and their handlers, who discussed using a drone, mines, RPG rockets, and anti-tank rockets to assassinate Zelenskyy. The FSB handlers also assured the colonels they would cover up their tracks with missile strikes.

The plot involved targeting Zelenskyy's armored Jeep and a second car carrying guards in a "convoy." The colonels planned to use the weapons cache hidden near the Odesa highway to finish the operation after the initial missile strikes.

The SBU successfully apprehended one of the colonels as he traveled to collect weapons for the plot. Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Malyuk stated that a limited number of people were aware of the operation to capture the colonels.

Malyuk emphasized the seriousness of the threat, stating that the enemy is strong and cannot be underestimated. He said that Ukrainian authorities will continue to work proactively to ensure that traitors face appropriate punishment.

The foiled assassination attempt serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Zelenskyy himself has previously stated that he has avoided multiple attempts on his life, describing such plots as not of interest to him.

Western leaders, including those from the US and EU, did not attend Putin's recent inauguration, highlighting ongoing tensions between Russia and the international community.