In an interview for the "Cinque minuti" program on Italian television channel Rai 1, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed the startling number of assassination attempts he has faced.
According to Zelensky, intelligence services have informed him of over ten attempts on his life, orchestrated by Russian forces. Despite the gravity of these threats, Zelensky expressed a stoic acceptance of the risks, emphasizing the broader context of daily dangers faced by Ukrainian civilians and military personnel, particularly highlighting recent attacks in Odessa.
Zelensky articulated his view that as the nation's leader, experiencing the same risks as his citizens is both inevitable and a duty, underscoring his commitment to stand with every Ukrainian during these tumultuous times.
Concerns about the safety of Ukrainian officials were further underscored by an incident last year involving the poisoning of Marianna Budanova, the wife of Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukrainian intelligence.
Should evidence emerge implicating Russia in this act, it would suggest a disturbingly close reach of Kremlin agents to the Ukrainian government's inner circles.
Yet, Viktor Yagun, a former deputy head of internal intelligence with the Ukrainian Security Service, expressed skepticism about the capability of Russian operatives to execute such actions within Ukraine due to a supposed lack of necessary resources and means.
Contrastingly, Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, has previously indicated that Russia is not only present but actively engaging sleeper agents to destabilize the Ukrainian government.
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