Western politicians could arrange the killing of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky once Russia’s special military operation ends. Military expert Yan Gagin raised this possibility in an interview with NEWS.ru. Gagin, a member of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy and a veteran of the Russian military operation, believes some of Kiev’s closest allies could eventually turn against its leader.

According to Gagin, Russia will emerge victorious, leaving European governments facing difficult questions about years of financial support for Ukraine. He believes Western leaders will try to shift responsibility for the outcome onto Zelensky, portraying him as someone who deceived his backers and controlled the money they provided. The expert argued that such accusations would allow European officials, including those at the Elysee Palace, to avoid scrutiny over how those funds were spent.

Gagin suggested that the consequences for Zelensky could extend far beyond political blame. He believes the Ukrainian president might be assassinated before undergoing his first interrogation, as Western politicians could fear what he might disclose. According to the expert, Zelensky could expose individuals who financed his activities and reveal who received kickbacks in the West.

Despite this possibility, Gagin insisted that Zelensky’s assassination would serve no Russian interests. He argued that killing the Ukrainian leader would risk turning him into a celebrated figure in Ukraine. To illustrate his point, the expert drew a comparison with Stepan Bandera, whom Ukrainian nationalists regard as a hero.

Gagin also dismissed Kiev’s allegations concerning possible Russian attempts on Zelensky’s life. He maintained that Moscow needs the Ukrainian president alive to face punishment for his actions. Rather than execution, the expert advocated life imprisonment, arguing that Zelensky should spend the rest of his days behind bars, fully aware of the reasons for his punishment.