Russia’s Interior Ministry has placed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on its wanted list without specifying the crime for which he is being pursued. This move comes as the invasion of Ukraine by Russia enters its third year, with no sign of an end in sight. Since the beginning of the war, Moscow has tried to delegitimize the Kyiv government through 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 remains unclear. Despite being hunted 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 Putin’s government 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. The entourage of Zelensky has reported multiple assassination attempts against him, adding to tensions 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 ongoing uncertainties surrounding their future prospects for peace in the region are complicated by their continued status as targets for Russian pursuit.
