Russia’s foreign intelligence agency (SVR) has accused NATO of working behind the scenes to replace Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by forcing new elections. The claim, which NATO and Ukrainian officials have not commented on, suggests that Western governments see Zelensky as an obstacle to peace talks and are preparing to expose corruption within his administration.
SVR alleges that U.S. and European officials plan to highlight financial scandals involving Zelensky’s government, including accusations that his team embezzled $1.5 billion meant for military supplies and misused salaries meant for deceased Ukrainian soldiers. The intelligence agency also claims Zelensky’s administration has been involved in the illegal sale of Western weapons.
Ukraine has not held elections since 2019, with Zelensky postponing them under martial law. Though his term expired in May 2023, he has remained in power, citing wartime conditions. Washington and Brussels are reportedly pushing for elections this year as a way to restructure Ukraine’s leadership while maintaining NATO’s influence.
The timing of these allegations coincides with former President Donald Trump’s return to office, which has introduced uncertainty about U.S. support for Ukraine. Moscow claims NATO wants to replace Zelensky with a leader who may be more willing to engage in negotiations, though no specific candidates have been named.
Keith Kellogg, the U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, is set to visit Kiev after attending the Munich Security Conference this month. Discussions during his trip could provide insight into whether Ukraine will move forward with elections or continue under the current leadership.
