Russia Adds Zelensky To Criminal ‘Wanted’ List, Ukraine Calls It Desperation

Russia has added Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to its list of wanted criminals, a move Kyiv called a sign of Moscow’s “desperation”.

Zelensky’s name appeared on Saturday on the Russian interior ministry’s “wanted” list, an online database of alleged criminals sought by the Russian authorities.

It said the Ukrainian leader was wanted “under an article of the criminal code” without providing more details.

There was no immediate comment from Russian officials as to why Zelensky had been added to the list.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry said the decision showed “the desperation of the Russian state machine and propaganda, which are at a loss for what else to invent to garner attention”.

Moscow has targeted Zelensky since the start of Russia’s military offensive in Ukraine in February 2022.

The Ukrainian president said last year he was aware of at least “five or six” assassination attempts against him that had been foiled.