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Zelensky Assassination: Kyiv Ready With Plan B If Russian Spies Manage To Eliminate Ukrainian President

Ukrainian authorities have crafted a comprehensive plan to guarantee a seamless transition of power in the event of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s death, reported Politico, citing Ukrainian officials and lawmakers.

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In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February of last year, persistent speculations have emerged concerning potential assassination attempts on the Ukrainian President by Russian spies.

Days after the outbreak of full-scale war, Ukrainian officials alleged that there had been numerous significant assassination attempts on the Ukrainian President by Russian sabotage and intelligence teams. 

Zelensky has emerged as a powerful symbol of what the Western world perceives as a just and principled fight for democracy and national sovereignty, making him a prominent and conspicuous target for Russian spies. 

In early May 2023, the situation took a darker turn when Russia’s former president openly issued a call for the killing of Volodymyr Zelensky following the Kremlin’s accusation that Ukraine had launched a drone attack with the alleged intention of targeting Russia’s current leader, Vladimir Putin.




Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky involved in car collision
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

Despite the potential threat of assassination, the Ukrainian president did not openly display apprehension or worry regarding this matter. When questioned about concerns regarding Russian assassination attempts, Volodymyr Zelensky responded by stating that he cannot afford to be preoccupied by such thoughts. 

In an interview with CNN last month, the Ukrainian leader drew a comparison to Putin, who he claimed rarely leaves his bunker, stating that if he constantly dwelled on this issue, it would have a detrimental effect on him. 

He highlighted that it is the responsibility of his bodyguards to devise strategies to prevent such attempts, and he personally avoids actively thinking about it.

But due to the constant threat to his life, President Zelensky’s overseas visits are planned with great secrecy. Leaks in the past have jeopardized his trips, and experts express concerns given the Kremlin’s history of assassination operations, such as the cases of Alexander Litvinenko and Sergei Skripal.

While there is a reluctance to openly discuss the matter, a contingency plan is already in place in case of any unfortunate circumstances surrounding Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky.

Under the Ukrainian constitution, the line of succession is well-defined. If the president is unable to fulfill his duties, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian parliament) assumes the responsibilities of the presidency.

Ruslan Stefanchuk, a member of Zelensky’s Servant of the People party, currently holds the position of Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada. Thus, if Zelensky is unable to carry out his presidential duties, Ruslan Stefanchuk will step in to assume those responsibilities.

Who Is Ruslan Stefanchuk?

Ruslan Stefanchuk, aged 47, currently holds the position of Speaker and Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, the country’s parliament. 

He assumed this role after receiving 261 votes from lawmakers, with 222 of those votes coming from the governing Servant of the People Party, during his election on 8th October 2021.

Upon his election, Stefanchuk expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and acknowledged the significant responsibility of the position. 

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