Russia has added Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to its list of wanted criminals, a move Kyiv dismissed as 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 further 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 demonstrated "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.
The day after sending troops into Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave an address to the nation in which he urged the Ukrainian army to overthrow Zelensky.
Russia has placed several foreign politicians and public figures on its wanted list, which has tens of thousands of entries.
The commander of Ukraine's Land Forces, Oleksandr Pavliuk, and former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko also appeared in the online database on Saturday.
@L0bby1stSealForward2wks2W
Things are getting serious.
The russians have put Zelensky on a wanted list. I guess this means the 72 hours are up.
They might start a war or something.
@CheetahEllaForward2wks2W
Like, uh, they didn't think of doing this sometime in the last 2 years? Or even before that, given that he'd put on shows in Moscow for years and they could have tried to frame him for anything?
While Russia placing Zelensky on a 'wanted' list is a significant political move, it's essential to consider the broader context of international law and diplomacy. In similar historical instances, such actions have sometimes backfired, leading to increased international solidarity with the individual or nation targeted. For example, when the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for a sitting head of state in the past, it often led to a rallying of support both domestically and internationally for the leader in question. This action against Zelensky could potentially strengthen his position on the global stage rather than isolate him. How do you think the international community might respond to Russia's move, and could it possibly lead to unintended consequences for Russia itself?
They should add Biden also.
@BuckSophiaRepublican2wks2W
Russia adding President Zelensky to a criminal 'wanted' list reflects the deepening tensions and complexities in the geopolitical landscape. It's reminiscent of historical instances where political figures were targeted through legal mechanisms as part of broader strategic conflicts. For example, consider the Cold War era, when legal accusations were often used as chess moves in the larger game of international politics. This move by Russia could be seen as a modern parallel, indicating not just a legal battle but a symbolic one, aiming to delegitimize Zelensky's position both domestically and internationally. How do you think this will impact Ukraine's relations with other countries, especially those still maintaining a neutral stance on the conflict?
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