In a shocking turn of events, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed the head of the state guards, Serhiy Rud, following allegations of a planned assassination against the embattled leader. The state security service (SBU) recently revealed that it had uncovered a plot to kill Zelenskyy and other high-ranking officials.

The SBU disclosed that the intended assassinations were supposedly intended as a "gift" for Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent inauguration. Two colonels within the state guard were implicated in the scheme, with the alleged plan involving the abduction and subsequent murder of President Zelenskyy. SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk and Kyrylo Budanov, head of the military intelligence agency, were also reportedly targeted.

Although Moscow has not commented on the allegations made by the SBU, it is claimed that the two implicated bodyguards had been leaking sensitive information to Russia's security service, the FSB. This adds a further layer of complexity to the situation, as tensions between Ukraine and Russia remain high.

This is not the first time President Zelenskyy has faced assassination attempts, with reports suggesting that at least five plots have been foiled since the start of the ongoing conflict. The Ukrainian leader's administration has also been grappling with mounting difficulties, leading to significant changes within key staffing positions.

In February, Zelenskyy replaced General Valerii Zaluzhny as army chief with Oleksandr Syrskyii, a move widely seen as an effort to revitalize progress in Ukraine's war against Russia. The Ukrainian president's administration has been criticized for alleged corruption, further exacerbating the country's challenges.

As investigations into the assassination plot continue, the dismissal of Serhiy Rud raises questions about the effectiveness of security measures within Zelenskyy's inner circle. Speculation now turns to who will be appointed as Rud's successor to ensure the safety of the Ukrainian president and other important officials.

With tensions between Ukraine and Russia continuing to simmer, these recent developments highlight the ongoing volatility faced by President Zelenskyy and his administration. It remains to be seen how this latest revelation will impact the country's political landscape and its efforts to address both internal and external challenges.