Feb 21, 2026, 7:21 p.mFeb 21, 2026, 7:21 p.m
According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Kiev’s security services have prevented several assassination attempts on prominent Ukrainians. “It was possible to neutralize Russian mercenaries who were planning attacks on our citizens,” said Zelensky in his evening video message broadcast in Kiev. “These are fairly well-known names, and the fact that such crimes could be prevented is a significant result,” he said ahead of the fourth anniversary of the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.Image: keystone
The Russians had prepared attacks against Ukrainian military personnel, secret service employees and Ukrainian media representatives and were rendered harmless, Zelensky said. He didn’t give any details. He thanked the authorities for protecting citizens. This Tuesday (February 24th) the Russian war of aggression enters its fifth year.
Zelensky insists that Europeans take part in negotiations
With a view to the US-mediated negotiations to end the war, Zelensky once again called for the Europeans to be involved. Meetings with European partners are planned for next week. “We will coordinate precisely so that Europe is integrated into all processes and only becomes stronger,” said Zelensky. He also provided information about a conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, which also discussed the role of the Europeans.
Russia rejects European participation in the negotiations because Moscow sees them as a warring party because of the arms deliveries to Kiev. The Kremlin accuses the Europeans of only being interested in Russia’s strategic defeat – but not in peace. Zelenskyj, on the other hand, said that it became clear to the USA during the negotiations in Geneva last week that Moscow was standing in the way of peace.
New sanctions against Russia called for
Zelensky once again called for further sanctions against Russia from the EU in order to increase pressure on the country to stop hostilities. He himself announced that he had imposed sanctions on 225 captains of ships in the so-called shadow fleet that transport Russian oil. Zelensky also suggested that international maritime service providers should be subject to sanctions if they support Russia’s shadow fleet.
Everyone who helps Russia make money for its war must be punished, said Zelensky. The country must be forced to engage in real diplomacy to end the war. (dab/sda/dpa)