Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the head of the State Guard Service, Serhii Rud, following the detention of two officers allegedly involved in a plot to assassinate him. The dismissal was announced through a presidential decree, with no reason given for the decision.
Rud had been appointed as Zelensky's top bodyguard in October 2019 and was responsible for ensuring the security of the president and senior state officials, as well as the protection of administrative buildings. His dismissal comes after two colonels in the State Guard Service were accused of carrying out "subversive activities against Ukraine in exchange for financial compensation."
The two colonels were charged with treason, with one also facing charges of preparing a terrorist act. According to Ukraine's Prosecutor General's office, the suspects were involved in a Russian plot to assassinate Zelensky and other senior Ukrainian officials, including the head of the SBU, Vasyl Maliuk, and the head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov.
The SBU reported that it had "foiled" the plans to assassinate Zelensky and other officials, and that one of the suspects had received two drones and ammunition from Russia's state security service (FSB). The suspect intended to transfer the explosives to another accomplice to carry out an explosion.
This is not the first time Zelensky has faced attempts on his life since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He has reportedly experienced several close shaves during his many visits to the front lines and Ukrainian cities under Russian bombardment.
The dismissal of Rud and the detention of the two officers highlights the ongoing security concerns faced by Zelensky and the Ukrainian government. The incident also underscores the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with Ukraine accusing Russia of attempting to destabilize the country through subversive activities and assassination plots.
The Ukrainian government has been working to strengthen its security services and prevent future attempts on Zelensky's life. The dismissal of Rud and the charges against the two officers are likely part of this effort to ensure the safety and security of the president and other senior officials.
In the meantime, Zelensky continues to face challenges in leading Ukraine through the ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite the security concerns, he has remained committed to visiting the front lines and Ukrainian cities, and has been vocal in his criticism of Russia's actions in Ukraine.
The situation highlights the ongoing complexities and dangers faced by Ukraine and its leaders, and the need for continued international support and cooperation to ensure the country's security and stability.
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