Russian President Vladimir Putin is alleged to have orchestrated an assassination plot against Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to reports.

The plot was allegedly discussed during a secret meeting with Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the rebellious Wagner Group, following a thwarted coup attempt.

Contrary to the anticipated exile of Prigozhin as part of a deal to halt his progress in Moscow, he was reportedly covertly ushered into the Kremlin in late June.

Fears have since emerged that Prigozhin might commit a serious act of violence at Putin’s behest, potentially targeting Zelenskyy. These allegations imply a disturbing intent to perpetrate a major crime. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that a meeting between Putin and Prigozhin occurred on June 29.

A significant confrontation between Putin and Prigozhin reportedly took place just five days after a near-successful coup by Wagner mercenaries, suggesting the critical situation in Russia. This event also supposedly marked the onset of Putin’s purge of top generals believed to have had foreknowledge of the coup attempt.

Although Putin publicly lambasted Prigozhin as a “traitor” during a televised rant, his private actions indicate a significant about-face, possibly humiliating for the Russian President. This abrupt turnaround has sparked rumors about turmoil within Putin’s inner circle, including alleged plans to oust him.

The clandestine meeting, first reported by French publication Liberation and later confirmed by Peskov, was a three-hour summit that included Prigozhin and senior field commanders from his private army, Wagner, among the 35 invitees.

Putin reportedly commended their efforts in Ukraine, mere days after admitting that Russia barely escaped a “civil war”. Peskov further stated that Wagner commanders pledged their loyalty to Putin during the meeting at the Kremlin.

  Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin, Moscow, Russia, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelensky, Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin