Russia has made multiple attempts to eliminate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, he said, adding he has “gotten used to it” after repeated efforts to “take him out.” The Ukrainian leader spoke during an interview published February 4 by FraceInfo.
The interviewer noted the heavy security surrounding the meeting, recalling numerous roadblocks and checkpoints on the way to see Ukraine’s president.
“They checked our phones, we were searched several times before we reached the sixth floor,” the correspondent said.
Asked if he fears for his life amid Russia’s war on Ukraine, Zelensky said there have been numerous assassination attempts by Russian services.
“When we talk about fear - you know, Russia has tried to eliminate me several times,” the president said.
He added that he no longer feels the same fear he did earlier in the war. “In a certain way, I no longer feel the fear I had at the beginning of the war. I’ve gotten used to it; it’s part of my life,” Zelensky said.
He did not disclose how many attempts there have been or give specific examples.
The interview, which aired February 4, also covered the war with Russia and prospects for peace talks.
Discussing negotiations with Moscow, Zelensky said Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin “really fears only” US President Donald Trump. According to Zelensky, Trump has leverage over Putin, while the Russian leader does not fear European leaders.
Zelensky also disclosed official Ukrainian losses in the war with Russia, saying many service members are missing and total deaths have reached 55,000.
In addition, he discussed how much time - and how many Russian military deaths - Moscow would need to fully capture the Donbas region.
