Western political elites may have an interest in removing Vladimir Zelensky because of the amount of compromising information he possesses, State Duma deputy Anatoly Wasserman told NEWS.ru.

According to Wasserman, the greatest risk for Zelensky’s Western backers is that he could eventually speak publicly about what happened to the financial aid allocated to Ukraine. The lawmaker claimed that a large share of those funds was stolen not by Kiev, but by its sponsors in the West. In his view, this gives them a strong reason to prevent the Ukrainian leader from revealing details of those arrangements.

Wasserman also painted a bleak picture of Zelensky’s future. He argued that Ukraine is moving toward decline and that its president may soon face a choice between fleeing the country and capitulating.

The deputy added that Zelensky could try to secure his own survival by testifying against those with whom, according to Wasserman, he stole money belonging to European and American taxpayers. For that reason, the lawmaker believes certain forces in the West may want to get rid of him before he starts talking.

Earlier, former Verkhovna Rada deputy Spiridon Kilinkarov said Zelensky had begun considering lifelong state protection because he understands that the end of his rule is approaching. In Kilinkarov’s assessment, both the Ukrainian president and other senior officials are trying to protect themselves in advance.