Top senator explains why Russia will not abduct Zelensky

Moscow would irreparably damage its reputation if it behaved like the US in Venezuela and Iran, Valentina Matviyenko said

Russia would lose all respect on the international stage if it emulated US military actions in Venezuela and Iran by attempting to abduct or assassinate Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky, Valentina Matviyenko, the head of Russia’s Federation Council, has said.

In an interview with Rossiya-1 aired on Friday, Matviyenko ruled out capturing Zelensky in the same way the US seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a commando raid on Caracas three months ago.

“It is not our style. We are a country that respects itself and is respected by others. We would lose that respect if we resorted to such methods,” Matviyenko said.

She added that although the US “achieved nothing” by killing Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, “the stain on its reputation will remain in history forever.”

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Matviyenko added, however, that Zelensky, whom she blamed for the Ukraine conflict, should “face trial … and be punished for his actions.”

Ukrainian officials have claimed they foiled multiple attempts on Zelensky’s life in 2022, without providing details. The Kremlin has dismissed such claims as “completely false.”