Russia adds Volodymyr Zelensky to ‘wanted’ criminal list in act of ‘desperation’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is shrugging off reports he’s been added to Russia’s list of wanted criminals.

On Saturday, the Russian interior ministry’s “wanted” list grew by one with the addition of Zelensky’s name.

The online database features alleged criminals being sought by Russian authorities.

It also includes Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Kyrylo Budanov, who heads Ukraine’s military intelligence.

Russia has also placed former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Ukraine’s Ground Forces Commander, Oleksandr Pavliuk, on the list, The Kyiv Independent reported.

The database indicates he’s being sought “under an article of the criminal code,” but provides no additional details.

Ukrainian officials mocked the designation as revealing “the desperation of the Russian state machine and propaganda, which are at a loss for what else to invent to garner attention,” the report said.

“We would like to remind everyone that, unlike the worthless Russian announcements, the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) warrant for the arrest of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin on war crimes charges is real and enforceable in 123 countries,” a statement from Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said..

Zelensky has said he’s been targeted for assassination at least five times since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.