Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Dismisses State Guards Chief Amid Assassination Plot Allegations

Photo: Reuters

Reuters | May 10, 2024 | 12:58 PM IST | Russia, Russia-Ukraine Conflict, World | Follow on Google News

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Dismisses State Guards Chief Amid Assassination Plot Allegations

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Dismisses State Guards Chief Amid Assassination Plot Allegations

Key Highlights:

1. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired the head of the state guards, Serhiy Rud, following allegations of involvement in a plot to assassinate him and other officials.
2. The State Security Service (SBU) uncovered the assassination plot earlier this week, implicating two colonels from the state guard.
3. Two security officials were detained and charged with treason and preparing a terrorist act, with one suspect accused of receiving drones and ammunition from Russia’s State Security Service (FSB).

President Zelenskyy of Ukraine has removed Serhiy Rud from his position as head of the state guards amidst allegations of a foiled assassination plot against him and other high-ranking officials. The State Security Service (SBU) revealed that two colonels within the state guard were implicated in the plot, intending to abduct and later assassinate Zelenskyy. The detained suspects face charges of treason and preparing a terrorist act, with one allegedly receiving support from Russia’s State Security Service (FSB), highlighting potential external involvement in the scheme.

While there has been no official announcement regarding Rud’s replacement, the dismissal underscores the gravity of the situation and the Ukrainian government’s commitment to addressing security threats. This incident adds to the challenges facing Zelenskyy’s administration, which has witnessed turmoil and key personnel changes amid stalled progress in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia and allegations of corruption within the ranks.

Reuters