US says Russia targeting Zelensky would be a ‘horrific’ act

The United States on Friday urged Russia not to harm Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, saying that doing so would be a “horrific” act.

With growing signs that Russia aims to overthrow him, Zelensky told European Union leaders in a video link-up from his bunker late Thursday that it might be the last time they saw him alive.

On Friday Zelensky released a video of himself and his senior aides outside the presidential office in Kyiv to reassure Ukrainians that he and other top officials would stay in the capital, even as Russian forces closed in.

He reiterated his belief that the Russians would try and kill him, saying: Russia “has marked me down as the number one target.”

“My family is the number two target. They want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of state,” he said.

In response to the comments, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki cautioned Russia against harming him.

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“Obviously going after a head of state would be a significant, horrific act by the Russian leadership,” Psaki said, noting that the US remains in contact with Zelensky.

“He is still in Ukraine, proudly and courageously facing up the Russian attack,” she said.

US President Joe Biden spoke Friday with Zelensky to convey his support and “commended the brave actions of the Ukrainian people who were fighting to defend their country,” the White House said.

Zelensky tweeted that he and Biden discussed “strengthening sanctions, concrete defense assistance and an antiwar coalition,” adding that he was grateful for Washington’s support.

His whereabouts were kept secret.

“All of us are here protecting our independence of our country,” Zelensky said Friday. “And it will continue to be this way. Glory to our defenders, glory to Ukraine, glory to heroes.”

Putin has not disclosed his ultimate plans for Ukraine. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov gave a hint, saying “We want to allow the Ukrainian people to determine its own fate.”

Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia recognizes Zelensky as the president, but would not say how long the Russian military operation could last.