While much of the world watches the Middle East, the war in Ukraine grinds on.
Russian strikes overnight killed several civilians, including a child, according to Ukrainian officials. The attacks came as President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Europe for surprise meetings with leaders in the United Kingdom and Canada.
Zelensky was welcomed in London by King Charles, marking their second meeting in three months. After a private lunch, the Ukrainian leader met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian soldiers training in the UK.
“I’m very thankful to all of you,” Zelensky said. “We are very thankful to the UK, your team, and your people.”
The visit coincides with growing concerns over Zelensky’s safety. Ukraine’s internal security agency, the SBU, announced Monday it had foiled another plot to assassinate the president. Officials said a retired Polish soldier had planned to target Zelensky at a Polish airport he frequently uses when traveling abroad.
The suspect is believed to have been a longtime sleeper agent working for Russia.
This isn’t the first time such threats have surfaced. Last year, Ukraine arrested two colonels from its own security service for allegedly plotting to kill Zelensky.
The president’s frequent foreign travel presents serious security challenges, not just for Ukraine but also for the countries hosting him. One security expert put it plainly: “Assassins only have to get it right once. Zelensky’s team has to get it right every time.”
Zelensky’s visit also carried diplomatic weight. With a key NATO summit approaching, the UK and Ukraine signed a new agreement on joint military production. It’s the first deal of its kind between the two nations.
The agreement signals continued support from the UK as Ukraine faces mounting pressure on the battlefield and increasing threats off it.
There has been no response yet from the Kremlin regarding the assassination plot or Zelensky’s visit to Europe.
