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Russian intel remarks on possible Zelensky replacement based on 'specific data' — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov noted that Kiev’s glaring political and military failures have seriously undermined the authority of Ukraine’s current leadership

MOSCOW, December 12. /TASS/. Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has drawn the conclusion that Kiev’s Western sponsors are preparing to replace Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky based on "specific information" at the disposal of the intelligence agency, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"Probably, this is about some sort of a long-term outlook," the Kremlin official said. "Undoubtedly, the intelligence services have their own specific data based on which such conclusions are drawn," he added.

That said, the presidential press secretary noted that Kiev’s glaring political and military failures have seriously undermined the authority of Ukraine’s current leadership. "Many setbacks that are constantly occurring in Ukraine lead to rocking the boat and undermining the authority of the government; this, indeed, can be seen with the naked eye," Peskov said.

According to a statement by SVR Director Sergey Naryshkin published on Monday, the agency is receiving reliable data that high-ranking officials in leading Western countries are increasingly more often discussing the need to replace the incumbent Ukrainian president. According to the SVR’s information, the West is considering Armed Forces of Ukraine Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny, former Ukrainian Presidential Aide Alexey Arestovich (included in the list of terrorists and extremists in Russia), Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klichko or Ukrainian Presidential Office Head Andrey Yermak as potential successors to Zelensky should the latter leave office early.