Russia’s foreign intelligence agency (SVR) has alleged that NATO is working to remove Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by orchestrating elections that would replace him. According to SVR, Western leaders believe Zelensky is obstructing peace talks and have begun efforts to discredit him ahead of a potential vote later this year.

The accusations follow remarks from U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg, who called for Ukraine to hold its long-delayed elections. SVR claims NATO is preparing a campaign to expose corruption within Zelensky’s administration, including allegations of embezzling military funds and selling Western-supplied weapons to armed groups abroad.

Zelensky has remained in office beyond his term, which expired in May 2023, after postponing elections under martial law. Russia claims the West sees him as a liability to peace efforts and is exploring ways to transition leadership without undermining Ukraine’s image as a “democracy.”

These claims come as former President Donald Trump’s return to the White House is expected to shift the geopolitical landscape. The SVR report suggests Trump may prefer a leader in Ukraine more aligned with his worldview, potentially making Zelensky’s position even more uncertain.

Ukraine has yet to confirm plans for new elections. Meanwhile, NATO has not commented on Russia’s accusations, and Zelensky continues to argue that Russia is avoiding meaningful negotiations while Ukraine pushes for stronger Western security guarantees.

A clearer picture may emerge after Kellogg’s reported meetings in Kiev later this month, following his expected attendance at the Munich Security Conference.