Russia adds Ukrainian President Zelensky to criminal 'wanted' list

Russian authorities have added Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to their list of wanted criminals, according to an official government database. The move represents an escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two countries and has sparked concern over Russia’s intentions.

The Russian interior ministry’s online database, which features a list of alleged criminals sought by authorities, now includes Zelensky’s name. It states that he is wanted “under an article of the criminal code,” but does not provide further details on the charges or the reasons behind the listing.

The Kremlin has not yet commented on why Zelensky was added to the list or which specific crime he is accused of committing. The addition comes amid increasing tensions following Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and underscores the aggressive stance Moscow has taken toward the Ukrainian leadership.

Zelensky, who has previously reported multiple assassination attempts against him, has been a vocal critic of Russia’s military actions and has rallied international support for Ukraine’s defense. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an address to the nation the day after sending troops into Ukraine, called on the Ukrainian military to overthrow Zelensky, hinting at Russia’s intent to undermine Ukraine’s leadership.

Russia’s “wanted” list contains tens of thousands of entries, including several foreign politicians and public figures. Earlier this year, the Kremlin placed Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on the list, citing allegations of “desecration of historical memory” after Estonia decided to remove Soviet-era monuments.

The move to add Zelensky to the list raises questions about Russia’s legal approach toward international figures and comes amid ongoing investigations into Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Notably, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Putin last year, accusing him of war crimes related to the abduction of Ukrainian children, an accusation that Moscow rejects.