Russia Hired Retd Polish Soldier for Zelensky Assassination Plot?

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Russia Dismisses Claims as Ukrainian Propaganda for Western Support

By TRH News Desk

NEW DELHI, June 23, 2025 – Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) chief Vasyl Maliuk announced today that a Russian plot to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelensky at Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport in Poland was thwarted, with Polish authorities’ collaboration. The alleged conspirator, a retired Polish soldier recruited by Russia “decades ago,” planned to use a sniper rifle or an FPV drone, according to Ukrainian claims reported by regional media outlets.

RBC-Ukraine, citing Maliuk, reported that the SBU uncovered the plot targeting Zelensky during a potential visit to Rzeszów, a key hub for Western military aid to Ukraine. “Several options were considered: one of them was an FPV drone, another was a sniper complex,” Maliuk stated, per RBC-Ukraine. The outlet noted that the suspect, described as a long-time Russian agent, was detained in Poland, though specific details about the arrest’s timing remain undisclosed.

Poland’s TVP Info confirmed the joint operation, reporting that Polish law enforcement acted on Ukrainian intelligence to foil the assassination attempt. The outlet highlighted the suspect’s alleged decades-long ties to Russian intelligence, suggesting he was a dormant agent activated for this mission. TVP Info quoted a Polish prosecutor stating the suspect faces charges for espionage and aiding a foreign power, with a potential eight-year sentence if convicted.

The Kyiv Independent, referencing SBU sources, emphasized the strategic importance of Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport, controlled by US troops and critical for Ukraine’s aid pipeline. The outlet reported that the retired soldier was tasked with gathering detailed security information about the airport to facilitate the attack. Maliuk, quoted by the Kyiv Independent, described the operation as a “significant blow” to Russian intelligence, underscoring the SBU’s vigilance in countering such threats.

Al Jazeera noted that this is not the first alleged Russian plot against Zelensky. In April 2024, Polish and Ukrainian authorities arrested a man, identified as Pawel K., for aiding a similar assassination scheme at the same airport. Al Jazeera reported that the SBU’s latest claims align with Zelensky’s history of surviving multiple assassination attempts, with Ukrainian officials estimating over a dozen since Russia’s 2022 invasion. The outlet quoted Maliuk warning that Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) remains “experienced and dangerous,” urging continued caution.

Russia’s TASS news agency dismissed the allegations, calling them “unsubstantiated” and accusing Ukraine of fabricating plots to garner Western support. TASS cited a Kremlin spokesperson declining to comment directly but reiterating that Russia has no interest in targeting Zelensky. The outlet framed the claims as part of Ukraine’s ongoing “propaganda campaign” against Moscow.

Polish authorities, per RMF FM, confirmed the suspect’s detention but provided limited details, citing the case’s sensitivity. The radio station reported that the retired soldier’s alleged recruitment by Soviet or Russian intelligence decades ago raises concerns about long-term sleeper agents in Poland. RMF FM quoted a security expert suggesting the plot’s foiling strengthens Poland-Ukraine intelligence cooperation amid heightened regional tensions.

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