Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that there is evidence of a coup planned for next week involving Russians.
In a press conference lasting for hours, the Ukrainian President detailed how his country’s intelligence agencies obtained audio recordings of individuals plotting to overthrow his government next week.
The audio included people from Russia. In it, they were attempting to convince Ukrainian billionaire, oligarch, and former parliament member Rinat Akhmetov into joining the government overthrow.
Zelenskiy said that Ukraine faced challenges from the Russian Federation and potential escalations, as well as internal challenges within Ukraine, such as a planned coup d’etat for December 1 to 2. Zelenskiy did not go as far to say that the Kremlin was behind the planned coup.
The Russian government was quick to deny any role in the planned overthrow.
Zelenskiy’s announcement comes amid soaring tensions between his country and Russia, stoking international fears that a war could break out between the two countries.
Zelenskiy did not provide details on the overthrow plot, and when asked bluntly whether the Russian government was involved, said that he could not talk about it.
He did, however, discuss at length the threat of Russian military escalation. He said that Ukraine would be ready.
There have been international concerns lately of potential Russian attacks on Ukraine. Russian forces have been amassing by the border separating the two countries. It has been reported that more than 92,000 Russian troops were now deployed to the border.
Ukraine is eager to join NATO. The U.S. sent the country a large consignment of ammunition and missiles earlier in 2021. Russia has opposed both Ukraine joining NATO, and the U.S. supplying arms.
Russia has said that fears of an attack on Ukraine are false and alarmist. Ukraine said it will soon be contacting Russian government officials about the ongoing standoff.
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