My theory is that the west did this against the wishes of Zelenksy. Putin has previously said that he wasn’t targeting Zelenksy for assassination.
This might change now. Which is exactly why the Ukrainians are claiming they are not responsible. Imo it’s very clear that Zelenksy did not order this.
I don’t think the west is happy with how the conflict is going and put this in motion to put Zelenksy on the hot seat. Perhaps they teamed up with someone in the ukr military to do this… or it could have been a strategic partner. Hard to say.
But If Seymour Hersh’s recent reporting is correct… then Zelenksy has been buying gas from Russia, skimming off those flows, and completely undermining the sanctions regime against Russia.
He’s doing this as he makes poor decisions. He should have strategically retreated from Bakmhut at least 2 months ago. Now the chances of a counteroffensive succeeding are very slim.
Now the west wants to push him out, so they bait Putin, or potentially even will make the move themself and have everyone frame Putin.
But that’s just a theory. I’m curious who you guys think is behind this assassination attempt.
It's hard to find any truth
Ukraine has a track record. It doesn't mean guilt but advances probability. It has committed assassination in Russia. Advisor's daughter killed by assassination. Peterborough explosion with reported affiliations towards. A recent fire in the Kremlin? On Putin's visit to Ukraine a few weeks ago boasted of attempts by drone to assassinate. Putin is a wanted man internationally with warrants for his arrest in multiple countries threatening action if on visitation. Ukraine by drone and sabotage have been stepping up attacks in Russia and have conducted attacks in Belarus.
The timing is dubious prior to any Ukrainian offensive, justifies action, like increased conscription and warrants recourse in the eyes of Russia. There are bigger questions on how a drone penetrated air defenses. But it is not impossible if inside the air defenses and used cover etc. The damage was also fiscal. Why would Russia target its power structure. This is alarming and historic. Although nothing surprises today if nukes are on the table or it likewise bombards Ukrainian command structures. Although to be seen as compromising isn't their image persay. It relies on much bigger antiaircraft sales and advanced weapon systems.
Who knows, in either event it escalates the situation which by any degree has been escalating.
The goal is surrender and acceptance of territory claimed by both sides. If any truce is to be made, it will have to accept the other side. This is almost impossible geographically without the loss of territory. Hence an escalating conflict. Ukraine doesn't want Russia in what it considers its borders, demanding warcrimes and removal of Russian occupation. Russia doesn't want Nato on its border and wants to make sure its interests, bases, trade, and commerce is protected, as well as Russian citizens who have been Russian for much longer before Ukraine claimed devolution.
Any goal uses agenda and has much wider geopolitical strategy and politics.