Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and its Director Sergey Naryshkin claimed on Monday that western powers are discussing replacing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Such a decision by western officials comes as a consequence of Zelensky publicly appearing as an "uncompromising supporter of a war with Moscow to a victorious end," which would prevent him from participating in any potential negotiations with the opposing side, as well as corruption and his "unfulfilled promises to defeat Russia on the battlefield, and the endless rudeness ... in dealing with foreign partners," Russian state-owned media quoted the SVR as saying.
The Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Defense Ministry Defense Intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov, head of Zelensky's office Andriy Yermak, Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko and Zelensky's former advisor Oleksiy Arestovych are among the candidates to succeed the current Ukrainian president, according to the Russian intelligence agency.