Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russian special forces are aiming to overthrow Ukraine’s leadership by the end of 2023. Speaking to The Sun, Zelensky claimed that Russia, under the operation name “Maidan 3,” intends to use any means, including assassination, to achieve this goal.
The reference to “Maidan 3” invokes memories of the mass protests in 2014 that led to the ousting of then-President Viktor Yanukovych. Zelensky disclosed that he has survived numerous assassination attempts, including one at the outset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Despite some recent gains, such as establishing new positions along the Dnipro River and successful attacks in annexed Crimea, the conflict shows no sign of ending soon. Zelensky emphasized the importance of unity among Ukraine and its allies.
He urged for greater pressure from China, highlighting that China’s opposition to Russia’s occupation of Ukraine could be significant. Zelensky also stressed the necessity of combined efforts from China and the United States to deter Russia from further aggression, warning of potential conflicts in the Balkans as Russia seeks to destabilize Europe.
Zelensky expressed concerns that if Ukraine falls, Russia could swiftly occupy NATO countries like the Baltics and Poland, prompting international intervention. He cautioned against underestimating Russia’s ambitions and emphasized the need for a united front against Russian aggression.
“If they destroy us, if they will kill us, they will occupy NATO countries very quickly, like the Baltics, or Poland, and others. And after that, you will move your soldiers.”