Russian authorities have taken a significant step in their efforts to remove Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from power by adding him to their wanted list. According to the Russian Interior Ministry, Zelensky is being pursued for a crime, although the specific charge has not been specified. This move comes as Russia has been involved in the invasion of Ukraine for three years without being able to remove Zelensky from power.
The Kremlin has consistently accused the Kyiv Government of being illegitimate and a “Nazi regime,” but this formal declaration of Zelensky as a criminal takes things to another level. By doing so, Russia is making it clear that negotiations to end the conflict are no longer an option. The prospects for reaching a negotiated settlement are further complicated by the inclusion of former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on the wanted list as well. Both Poroshenko and Zelensky have been recognized as legitimate Ukrainian presidents by Russian President Vladimir Putin after they won the last two presidential elections in Ukraine.
Despite being persecuted by Moscow, Poroshenko has seen this as a form of recognition and described it as a patriotic act. However, with both leaders now on the wanted list, negotiations can only take place from a standpoint of surrender rather than compromise. This move further underscores the tense relations between Russia and Ukraine and raises doubts about the future of diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
In addition to Zelensky and Poroshenko, Russian authorities have also sought out individuals who are believed to be collaborating with Ukraine’s government or military. The search order applies within Russian territory, which includes illegally annexed Ukrainian provinces such as Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Crimea.
The decision by the Kremlin to add Zelensky and Poroshenko to its wanted list could hinder diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have been ongoing since 2014 when pro-Russian separatists rebelled against Kiev’s rule in eastern Ukraine.
The inclusion of these two leaders on Russia’s wanted list suggests that negotiations can only take place from a standpoint of surrender rather than compromise. This move further complicates diplomatic efforts aimed at ending one of Europe’s bloodiest conflicts.
In conclusion, Russia’s decision to add Zelensky and Poroshenko to its wanted list is a significant escalation in its efforts to remove them from power. It is likely that this move will only deepen tensions between Russia and Ukraine while also raising doubts about future diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict in Eastern Europe.