Russia escalates disinformation war, claims West plotting to kill Ukraine’s Zelenskyy

Insight News reported the information.

Russian state-controlled media and pro-Kremlin outlets have launched a new disinformation campaign, falsely claiming that Western intelligence agencies are planning the assassination of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This fabricated narrative is designed to weaken trust between Ukraine and its allies, destabilize Kyiv’s leadership, and disrupt diplomatic efforts to end the war.

The false claims were first circulated on pro-Kremlin YouTube channels, including BORZZIKMAN, before being picked up by Russian-aligned media such as Reseau International, RIA Novosti, and Moscow Komsomolets. These outlets cite anonymous sources and Russia’s FSB intelligence service to spread the baseless claim that Western officials see Zelenskyy as a liability due to Ukraine’s battlefield struggles.

One article from Reséau International, citing the FSB, falsely stated that Zelenskyy’s failures in military operations had turned key Ukrainian and Western figures against him. The report misleadingly suggests that Washington is actively seeking to “remove” the Ukrainian leader to install a more manageable successor.

Russian state media outlets, including Komsomolskaya Pravda and Gazeta.ru, amplified the narrative, falsely reporting that “foreigners close to Zelenskyy” were discussing plans for his “liquidation.”

Coordinated propaganda effort

This disinformation campaign follows well-documented Kremlin tactics:

• Fabricating anonymous sources to create a false sense of credibility.
• Amplifying the fake narrative across multiple state-controlled outlets.
• Misusing Western figures (such as German military experts) to give the story false legitimacy.
• Portraying Zelenskyy as a Western liability, implying his removal benefits NATO.

Real objective: destabilization and distrust

By falsely suggesting that Zelenskyy’s allies may betray him, Russia aims to:

• Undermine Ukraine’s trust in NATO and Western governments.
• Damage Zelenskyy’s credibility at home and abroad.
• Create fear and confusion within Ukraine’s leadership.
• Disrupt peace efforts led by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Western officials continue to publicly reaffirm their support for Zelenskyy, with no indication of considering his removal. This fabricated story is part of Russia’s broader hybrid warfare strategy—weaponizing misinformation to erode Ukraine’s resistance and divide its allies.

No evidence, just propaganda

There is no credible intelligence or Western government report supporting these claims. The falsehoods originate solely from Kremlin-linked media, aligning with Russia’s longstanding tactics of disinformation and psychological warfare.

By pushing this narrative, Moscow seeks to distract from its own military setbacks and ongoing war crimes in Ukraine. This is yet another example of the Kremlin’s efforts to manipulate public opinion and destabilize Ukraine.