Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that he has misplaced depend of the variety of assassination makes an attempt made in opposition to him for the reason that begin of the battle.
Talking at his fortified Kyiv headquarters, Zelenskyy informed the UK-based newspaper the Solar: “I actually do not know” when requested what number of plots he had survived.
The primary try, he recalled, prompted a panic “like the primary outbreak of Covid.” However after that, he stated, they “weren’t so dangerous.”
Zelenskyy additionally confirmed that Russia nonetheless “needs very a lot” to topple him from energy, and even is aware of the codename of their newest mission to oust him, which has a deadline of the tip of the yr.
“The identify of the operation is Maidan 3,” he stated. “It is meant to vary the president. It is bye bye. Perhaps it isn’t by killing. I imply it is altering. They are going to use any devices they’ve.”
Recounting the preliminary day of Putin’s invasion, the place Russian particular forces parachuted into Kyiv, he described the makeshift defenses erected round his workplace and the chaotic ambiance.
Zelenskyy rejected gives from British and US officers to evacuate him, declaring, “I want ammo, not a experience.” Whilst battles raged, he defiantly recorded a selfie video to reassure Ukraine of his presence within the capital.
The Ukrainian president dominated out holding elections that had been attributable to happen subsequent yr, insisting it was unlawful beneath martial regulation, not possible due to the battle and would divide the nation when individuals have been centered on combating Russia.
He additionally refused to be drawn on whether or not or not Ukraine had carried out its personal assassinations in reply to Russia’s makes an attempt on his life.
“I am unable to focus on with you any particular operations of Ukrainian intelligence or Secret Service or of some particular forces,” he stated. “There are some moments which we’re not discussing. Not solely inside Russia, there are issues we’re not discussing on our quickly occupied territories.”
Regardless of the challenges, Zelenskyy vowed to combat on and insisted the battle was “not a film.”
He stated: “We’re combating in opposition to a really sturdy enemy. However we’re combating for our residence and for our future. And we won’t hand over.”
Whereas acknowledging the necessity for extra success on the battlefield, Zelenskyy rejected the notion of a stalemate in morale, emphasizing that Ukrainians are on their residence turf. He additionally highlighted the challenges in controlling the sky and addressed the US Congress’s choice to dam assist, vowing to persevere regardless of issues a couple of extended battle.
Zelenskyy pointed to successes within the Black Sea, the place missile and drone strikes on Russian warships compelled Putin to withdraw, enabling Ukraine to ascertain a grain export hall. Regardless of weariness among the many populace, he insisted there was no urge for food for a untimely peace, emphasizing the pursuit of a simply decision within the ongoing battle with Russia.