The Russian Interior Ministry has placed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on its wanted list, without specifying the crime for which he is being persecuted by the Kremlin. This move comes as the invasion of Ukraine by Russia has entered its third year without ousting Zelensky. Since the beginning of the war, Moscow has tried to delegitimize the kyiv Government with baseless accusations, making negotiations to end the war even more challenging.
Former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko has also been targeted by Russian authorities, although the specific crime he is accused of has not been disclosed. Despite being pursued by Moscow and facing numerous allegations, both Poroshenko and Zelensky have been recognized as legitimate presidents of Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin after winning consecutive presidential elections.
Although the search order issued by the Russian Interior Ministry applies within Russian territory, it is unlikely that Zelensky will visit the invading country anytime soon. In addition to Zelensky and Poroshenko, other political leaders from countries deemed “unfriendly” by Russia have also been targeted, including Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and officials from the Baltic States and Poland.
The decision by the Kremlin to place Zelensky on the wanted list could complicate efforts to negotiate an end to the war, as Russia does not negotiate with those it deems to have committed crimes. Zelensky’s entourage has reported multiple assassination attempts against him, adding to the tension between Ukraine and Russia.
Poroshenko, who has expressed his intention to run against Zelensky once the war is over, has faced challenges in his relationship with Russia. Despite the uncertainties surrounding their future, both Zelensky and Poroshenko continue to be targets of Russian pursuit, complicating the prospects for peace in the region.