Kremlin Reacts to Alleged Western Plot to Replace Zelensky with Zaluzhnyi

Russian intelligence reports alleging that Western powers are preparing to replace Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with Ukraine’s former top general and current ambassador to the UK, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, “speak for themselves,” according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. SVR Claims of Secret Meetings with Western Officials The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) previously reported that the United States and the United Kingdom had convened a secret meeting to discuss replacing Zelensky. According to the SVR, attendees included Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office; Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence (designated by Russia as a terrorist and extremist); and Valerii Zaluzhnyi. SVR sources claim that changing Ukraine’s leadership is viewed as essential for "resetting" relations with the West and for ensuring continued Western investment in the Ukrainian economy.