By RismadarVoice Media
January 1, 2026
Russia has issued one of its strongest personal threats yet against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, warning that he would be forced to “stay in hiding for life” following Moscow’s claim of an alleged assassination attempt targeting President Vladimir Putin.
The warning was issued by Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president and current Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, after Russian authorities accused Ukraine of launching drones toward locations linked to Putin. Although Moscow claims the drones were intercepted with no damage or casualties, it described the incident as an attempted act of state terrorism.
Medvedev, known for his hardline rhetoric since the start of the war, accused President Zelensky of deliberately escalating the conflict, undermining peace efforts. His statement, widely circulated by Russian state media, marked a sharp escalation in language, shifting from military threats to direct personal warnings against the Ukrainian leader.
Ukrainian officials swiftly dismissed the accusation, describing it as fabricated, politically motivated. Kyiv insists it had no involvement in any attack on Putin or Russian political sites, accusing the Kremlin of manufacturing a pretext to justify further military action.
President Zelensky’s office said the allegation fits a familiar pattern in which Russia raises unverified security claims ahead of intensified strikes or major political moves.
The incident comes amid renewed international efforts to explore diplomatic pathways to ending the war, making the timing of Russia’s claim particularly sensitive. Analysts say the accusation, subsequent threats could be aimed at derailing negotiations while rallying domestic support inside Russia.
Security analysts also warn that publicly targeting a sitting head of state represents a dangerous departure from diplomatic norms, could increase the risk of further escalation, including covert operations or symbolic retaliation.
Since the invasion of Ukraine began, Russian officials, particularly Medvedev, have increasingly used inflammatory language toward Ukrainian leadership and Western allies. However, observers note that the latest remarks stand out for their personal and explicit nature.
President Zelensky has survived several alleged assassination attempts since the war began and continues to operate under heavy security protection. Ukrainian authorities say such threats will not deter the country’s leadership or military operations.
So far, Russia has not presented independently verifiable evidence to support its assassination plot claim. International observers remain cautious, urging restraint while monitoring developments closely.
As the war enters another critical phase, the exchange underscores how rhetoric alone is capable of inflaming tensions in a conflict already marked by heavy casualties, diplomatic strain, global consequences.
