Putin tops Kyiv kill list but they can never be sure 'it's really him'
Ukraine
has admitted killing Vladimir Putin is one of its top priorities in the war.
The hit list also includes Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu and chief of the defence staff Valery Gerasimov, spy boss Vadym Skibitsky said.
But the second in command of Ukraines military intelligence told Die Welt its difficult to assassinate Putin because he stayed holed up.
Even though he is now beginning to stick his head out, the Russian presidents long-rumoured use of doppelgangers at public events means spies can never be sure its really him, he added.
Skibitsky said Putin notices that were getting ever closer to him a claim backed by new US intelligence that Ukraine was likely behind last months audacious drone attack on the Kremlin.
He also said the tyrant is afraid of being killed by his own people.
Vladimir Putin flanked by Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov (left) and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (right) (Picture: TASS)
Gerasimov and Shoigu look on during a meeting with Putin at the Kremlin (Picture: TASS via Getty Images)
Head of the Wagner Group of mercenaries Yevgeny Prigozhin makes a video statement from an unknown location (Picture: AP)
Putin sits at the top of the list because he co-ordinates and decides what happens, Sibitsky went on: Ultimately, however, everyone will have to answer for their actions.
Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu planned the attack and now they cannot turn back.
Prominent Russian commanders are also on the list.
Prigozhin, whose troops have been accused of a catalogue of appalling war crimes, was relaxed about his inclusion.
Of course, Prigozhin, as one of the important actors in this war, must be eliminated. This is 100 per cent true, so they are doing absolutely the right steps, he said.
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I always say that the enemy must be treated with respect. Of course, I respect their decision as well.
Skibitsky claimed Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov was also on the wanted list even though he had realised that strategically the Putin regime has already lost.
General Armageddon Sergei Surovikin was also named.
Putin pictured with Chechnya's leader Ramzan Kadyrov (Picture: AFP via Getty)
'General Armageddon' Sergei Surovikin shaking hands with Putin (Picture: AP)
We are at war and these are our enemies, he said. If an important figure produces and finances weapons for them, then its elimination would save the lives of many civilians.
And then he gets wiped out. According to international conventions, it is then a legitimate target.
Russia has already accused Ukraine of seeking to assassinate Putin with a strike on the Kremlin on May 3.
One of two drones hit the Senate building where his official apartment, which he seldom uses, is located.
Initially there were claims that the attack was a stunt by the secret services.
But a report in The New York Times said US officials are now less inclined to see it as some kind of false flag operation.
US spy agencies suggest it was orchestrated by Ukrainian military intelligence, although it was unclear if President Volodymyr Zelensky or his officials were aware of it.
Confidence it was directly authorised by the Ukrainian government was low, the report added.
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Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 10:18 am