Zelensky fires bodyguard leader after failed assassination attempt

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky fired the head of the agency responsible for his protection after two of his officers were detained over an alleged assassination plot against him.

The dismissal of the head of the State Guard Service (UDO), Serhii Rud, was revealed in a decree published on the presidential website. No reason for the dismissal was given.

According to Ukrainian state media Ukrinform, Rud was appointed to be Zelensky's main bodyguard in October 2019. A replacement has not yet been named.

The UDO is tasked with ensuring the security of the President of Ukraine and senior state officials, as well as the protection of administrative buildings.

Earlier this week, it emerged that Ukraine had detained two security officials allegedly involved in a Russian plot to assassinate Zelensky.

Two UDO colonels have been accused of carrying out “subversive activities against Ukraine in exchange for financial compensation,” Ukraine's Prosecutor General's office said on Tuesday.

Both colonels were accused of treason; one was also accused of preparing a terrorist act.

Kyiv's state security service (SBU) said it “thwarted” plans to assassinate Zelensky and other senior Ukrainian officials, including SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk and the head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov.

The prosecutor's office said one of the suspects received two drones and ammunition from the Russian State Security Service (FSB), which he intended to transfer to another accomplice so that an explosion could be carried out.

Zelensky has reportedly faced multiple attempts on his life since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In addition to assassination plots, Zelensky has experienced a number of attempted attacks during his many visits to Ukrainian frontlines and cities under Russian bombing.