In an exclusive interview with British newspaper The Sun, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that he has lost count of the number of times Russian forces have tried to assassinate him since the invasion of Ukraine two years ago. Zelenskyy estimated that Ukraine's intelligence services have thwarted "five or six" schemes to kill him, but could not provide an exact number.

Comparing the alleged attempts on his life to a bout of COVID-19, Zelenskyy stated, "The first one is very interesting, when it is the first time, and after that it is just like COVID." This statement highlights his perception that subsequent attempts became more frequent and less surprising.

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia began in February 2022 when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion. Despite calls for peace, the war continues to devastate the region.

Zelenskyy asserts that Russia still aims to have him overthrown and disclosed that the alleged codename for the mission to unseat him from power is "Maidan 3." According to the Ukrainian president, there is a purported deadline for this operation, set to occur by the end of the current year.

"It is meant to change the president," Zelenskyy explained. "It's bye bye. Maybe it's not by killing. I mean it's changing. They will use any instruments they have."

The relentless assassination attempts on Zelenskyy underscore the ongoing tense relationship between Ukraine and Russia. As the conflict rages on, it remains to be seen how the Ukrainian government will respond to these persistent threats on their president's life.