With the battle entering its third week, Mr Zelensky, acclaimed as a hero by many across the world, has stayed firm in Ukraine in the face of rumours about his head. According to reports, many murder attempts have already failed, and death squads from both Africa and Chechnya are roaming the streets hunting for the president.
On “Pod Save the World,” Tommy Vietor and Ben Rhodes argue that Mr Zelensky’s killing would backfire on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The two challenge the Russian risk assessment on the “ghoulish” matter of attacking Mr Zelensky in a podcast titled The Rising Cost of Putin’s War.
“They may genuinely consider Zelensky has become such a huge figure that they would spark some reaction they would not want to ignite,” they add.
“So Zelensky may have estimated that because he’s become such a public figure, the cost of Russia injuring him will be really high.”
“In recent weeks, Zelensky has established himself as a unique character in modern history.”
“His assassination by a Russian crony might set Russia on fire.”
Others have stated that assassinating Mr Zelensky will not help Russia win the conflict.
“Even if something happens to Zelensky, national pride will not be impacted,” said Khrystyna Holynska, a Ukrainian scholar and policy researcher at the American think tank the Rand Corporation.
Speaking to I she continued, “With each passing day, the possibility grows that it may really have the reverse effect of unifying the people even more for greater resistance.”
Mr Zelensky has recorded recordings of himself in Kyiv on multiple occasions, indicating that he intends to stay in the city. “I’m remaining in Kyiv,” he previously stated. In my workplace. I’m not concealing anything, and I’m not frightened of anyone.”
Twenty-four more Ukrainian figures are alleged to be on the Kremlin’s assassination list, including the Klitschko brothers, both former boxing champions.
Despite President Zelensky’s insistence that he will not abandon his nation, Ukraine has apparently begun to prepare for the potential that he could be killed.
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, stated on Sunday that Ukraine had prepared arrangements for “continuity in government” if Mr Zelensky is assassinated.
If Russia succeeds in deposing Ukraine’s existing leader, Ruslan Stefanchuk, the country’s Speaker, will take over as interim President.
Experts think that a successor government would simply continue on President Zelensky’s torch, which has instilled in the Ukrainian people a passionate nationalism that even his killing would not diminish.
Previous attempts on Mr Zelensky’s life were averted, according to reports, by disclosures from Russian intelligence personnel loyal to Ukraine and opposed to the Russian invasion.
Ms Holynska concluded by praising Mr Zelensky’s will to remain in Kyiv: “Zelensky’s strong determination to stay in Kyiv and lead the initiatives has been recognised both in Ukraine and abroad.”
“His films are widely circulated and analysed, and they play a huge role in maintaining morale in Ukraine and motivation to help Ukrainians from outside.”
“I can’t tell you whether or not he’ll be transformed into a martyr,” he continued.
“Whatever the fate for Zelensky, his resistance will fully increase the nation’s spirit and every Ukrainian citizen’s determination to fight.”
