The US-led NATO alliance views Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky as an obstacle to peace talks and is working to discredit him ahead of potential elections next fall, according to a statement by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) on Monday; reads an RT report.
The SVR claims that Western officials consider Zelensky a key barrier to negotiations with Moscow as they push for a freeze in the conflict. Despite his official term expiring last May, Zelensky has refused to step down, postponing elections under martial law imposed in 2022 after the escalation of hostilities with Russia.
The intelligence agency alleges that Washington and Brussels see Zelensky as "expendable" and that NATO recognizes "his time is up." To facilitate his removal, the bloc is reportedly preparing a campaign to link him to corruption, including the alleged embezzlement of over $1.5 billion in military funds. The SVR also claims that his administration misappropriated the salaries of 130,000 deceased soldiers who remain listed as active service members and was involved in the illicit sale of Western-supplied weapons to armed groups in Africa.
The report suggests that uncertainty surrounding US support for Ukraine—particularly with a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House—has accelerated NATO’s efforts to replace Zelensky while ensuring Ukraine remains a stronghold against Russia.
Neither NATO nor Ukrainian officials have responded to the allegations.
In a weekend interview with the Associated Press, Zelensky accused Moscow of stalling peace talks and insisted that Ukraine needs Western security guarantees before negotiations can begin. He reiterated that NATO membership would be the “cheapest” option for ensuring Ukraine’s protection.
Russia, meanwhile, has stated its willingness to engage in talks but insists that previous negotiations were blocked by Zelensky’s 2022 decree prohibiting discussions with Moscow. The Kremlin has rejected any proposal to freeze the conflict and maintains that Ukraine’s neutrality, withdrawal from Russian territories, and legal protections for Russian-speaking populations are necessary conditions for a settlement.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
