Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky says Russian-backed coup plot uncovered
- Ukrainian intelligence obtained recordings of the plotters talking about involving business magnate Rinat Akhmetov in their coup, the president says
- The accusation, which was denied by the Kremlin, raises temperatures as Kyiv and its Western allies accuse Moscow of massing troops for a possible invasion
President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday said Ukraine had uncovered a plot to overthrow his government next week, involving individuals from Russia caught on tape talking about roping Ukraine’s richest businessman into backing a coup.
The Kremlin denied any role in any coup plot, and the businessman called the president’s account an “absolute lie”. Zelensky himself gave few details and stopped short of saying whether he believed the Kremlin was behind the plot.
But the accusation raised the temperature at a time when Kyiv and its Western allies have already accused Moscow of massing troops near the Ukrainian border for a possible assault, a suggestion Moscow dismisses as false and alarmist.
Speaking at an hours-long press conference, Zelensky said Ukrainian intelligence had obtained audio recordings of the plotters talking about involving business magnate Rinat Akhmetov in their coup.
“We have challenges not only from the Russian Federation and possible escalation – we have big internal challenges. I received information that a coup d’etat will take place in our country on December 1-2,” Zelensky said.