A Russian missile recently detonated in the area where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was hosting Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Odesa. It is unclear whether the missile strike was accidental or a deliberate attempt on Zelensky’s life.

This incident occurred amid the recent revelation of a Russian plot to assassinate Zelensky and other senior political and military figures. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) broke up the plot on Tuesday arresting two senior officers both colonels in the Department of State Security.

🔴Ukrainian security forces have thwarted an assassination scheme targeting President Volodymyr @ZelenskyyUa, leading to the arrest of five individuals allegedly linked to Russia’s Federal Security Service (@RUS_FSB).https://t.co/77GW9oFEU4

— TVP World (@TVPWorld_com) May 7, 2024

The assassination plot allegedly involved suborning members of Zelensky’s personal protection detail to kidnap and later assassinate him under the cover of Russian missile and drone strikes. 

SBU Chairman Lieutenant General Vasyl Malyuk and the head of military intelligence Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov were also targeted in the plot.

The close call in Odesa and the foiled assassination plot underscore the ongoing threat to Zelensky’s life as he leads Ukraine’s effort to fight off Russia’s aggression. The war between Russia and Ukraine has entered its third year with no end in sight and the Ukrainian president remains a primary target for Russian forces.