'Expendable material': Russia alleges West is moving to replace Zelenskyy in Ukraine

Nato is reportedly exploring ways to remove Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from power by discrediting him ahead of potential elections next fall, according to a statement from Russia's foreign intelligence service (SVR) on Monday.
The agency alleges that western leaders view Zelenskyy as a major obstacle to peace negotiations with Moscow.
Despite his term officially expiring in May 2023, Zelenskyy has remained in office, postponing elections under martial law imposed in 2022. The SVR claims Washington and Brussels are looking to “freeze” the conflict by pushing for talks but believe Zelenskyy is unwilling to engage.
"Even Nato understands that Zelenskyy’s time is up," the agency stated, alleging that Western officials have begun referring to him as "expendable material."
The SVR claims a campaign is being prepared to expose Zelenskyy’s involvement in financial scandals, including the embezzlement of $1.5 billion meant for military equipment and the diversion of salaries for 130,000 deceased Ukrainian soldiers.
It also accuses his administration of selling Western-supplied weapons to armed groups in Africa.
The report suggests that Donald Trump’s return to the White House has increased uncertainty over Western support for Ukraine, possibly accelerating efforts to replace Zelenskyy.
According to the SVR, Nato's priority remains maintaining Ukraine as an anti-Russian stronghold, regardless of battlefield developments.
Neither Nato nor Ukrainian officials have responded to the claims.
Meanwhile, in an interview with the Associated Press, Zelenskyy accused Russia of avoiding peace talks and reiterated calls for Western security guarantees, arguing that Nato membership would be the “cheapest” way to secure Ukraine.
Moscow, however, insists that any negotiations must include Ukraine’s neutrality, withdrawal from Russian-occupied regions, and protections for Russian-speaking populations—conditions Kyiv has so far rejected.