Two senior officers recruited by Russia were tasked with providing real-time updates on the location of Zelensky and other senior officials to Russian security forces. They were also instructed to try and recruit collaborators within the Ukrainian army to assist in carrying out a mission to assassinate Zelensky. In addition to Zelensky, the Russian security forces planned to eliminate Vasil Maliuk, head of the SBU, and Kirilo Budanov, head of the GRU.
However, this plan ultimately failed as the two officers were accused of treason and one was also accused of planning an act of terrorism. They received weapons and support from the Russian security service in carrying out their operation. This incident is just one example of many attempted assassinations by Russia since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. There have been previous attempts to locate and execute Zelensky, as well as other senior officials. The Russian army has sent mercenaries and made other attempts to carry out these assassinations.
The operation to assassinate Zelensky and other senior officials in Ukraine was meticulously planned and executed. Despite their best efforts, the Russian security forces were unable to successfully carry out their mission. This incident underscores the ongoing security threats faced by Ukrainian officials and highlights the importance of continued vigilance in protecting them from harm.