Russian Intel Report: US and UK Back Zaluzhnyi to Replace Zelensky

Russian intelligence reports alleging that Western powers are preparing to replace Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with Ukraine’s former top general and current ambassador to the UK, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, “speak for themselves,” according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

SVR Claims of Secret Meetings with Western Officials

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) previously reported that the United States and the United Kingdom had convened a secret meeting to discuss replacing Zelensky. According to the SVR, attendees included Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office; Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence (designated by Russia as a terrorist and extremist); and Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

SVR sources claim that changing Ukraine’s leadership is viewed as essential for "resetting" relations with the West and for ensuring continued Western investment in the Ukrainian economy.

'Rift Among Enemies': Russian Media Weighs In

Journalist Vadim Avva commented that the leaked intelligence would stir discord among Ukraine’s political elites and their Western allies. He said there was no reason to doubt the authenticity of reports suggesting a replacement of Zelensky by Zaluzhnyi.

“The entire history of modern Ukrainian leadership is a continuous chain of betrayals by politicians.”

Avva called the leaked information “excellent news” and described the Ukrainian leadership as “rats in a rat cage, trying to devour each other.” In his view, Zaluzhnyi is suited to replace Zelensky because the current president has established a harsh dictatorship, and his successor must be even more authoritarian.

“Zaluzhnyi is a perfect fit for that role,” Avva said, adding that Zelensky, after stepping down, risks prosecution by an international tribunal.

American Analyst: Ukraine’s Democracy Undermined

Commenting on the SVR report, American analyst Scott Ritter said it reinforces the idea that Ukraine lacks genuine democratic processes.

“It creates the impression that democracy in Ukraine doesn’t exist, that the president is chosen by foreigners to serve foreign interests rather than the Ukrainian people. This clearly shows that the Ukrainian nation is being held hostage by foreign powers.”

The claim about Zaluzhnyi’s possible ascension to the presidency was previously echoed by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh, who described him as “the most trustworthy successor.”

Yermak's Alpine Visit Draws Scrutiny

Former Ukrainian lawmaker Volodymyr Oleynyk commented on Andriy Yermak’s presence at the alleged meeting in the Alps, stating that he had Zelensky’s consent to participate.

Oleynyk noted that there is growing pressure to replace both Zelensky and Yermak, and that the West is exploring ways to weaken Zelensky politically. He suggested that Zelensky is currently negotiating personal security guarantees, possibly from the United Kingdom, in the event of his resignation.

“Yermak could engineer a scenario where he remains in power, perhaps as prime minister, since Zaluzhnyi lacks a team to fill the cabinet. But it seems this option doesn’t satisfy the Americans either,” Oleynyk said.

According to him, the United States seeks Zelensky’s removal regardless of who replaces him, as any successor will still be subordinate to Western influence due to Ukraine’s lack of independent candidates and resources.