Russia targets Zelensky: A move to isolate Ukraine on the global stage

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been placed on the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs' "wanted criminals" list. Experts suggest that this move is intended to complicate his international travel, especially to countries with strong Russian influence.

Many reports from Russian media and government officials are likely to be fabricated. Such statements could be part of a wider information warfare campaign by the Russian Federation.

Since the full-scale invasion that started in 2022, Zelensky has been the Kremlin's top target. Russia attempts to distort its aggression towards Ukraine and aims to extend its control over sovereign states.

"The Moscow Times" reported that the President of Ukraine was recently added to the list of wanted criminals by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs. This list features numerous adversaries of Putin and Western officials who oppose Russia's actions.

According to the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian state media pointed out that the Ministry of Internal Affairs did not detail Zelensky's alleged crimes, although one commentator was optimistic that this move could potentially facilitate his detainment outside Ukraine.

Countries with extradition treaties with Russia include Thailand, Indonesia, and the post-Soviet states of Central Asia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.

For President Zelensky, visiting countries with strong relationships or significant influence from the Kremlin, such as Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, South Africa, the Central African Republic, or Pacific island nations like Nauru, presents substantial risk.

Experts from the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) note that this step is likely part of the Russian information operation "Maidan 3", and broader Kremlin efforts aimed at discrediting Ukraine's current and former pro-Western administrations and diplomatically isolating Ukraine.