Russia Reportedly Lifts Unofficial Ban on Targeting Ukrainian Leadership

Several pro-Kremlin news outlets have reported that Russia's Security Council has lifted an unofficial ban on targeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and senior military commanders. The claims, which have not been independently verified, emerged following a closed-door meeting chaired by President Vladimir Putin.

According to the reports, the decision was prompted by repeated Ukrainian attacks on Russia's oil export infrastructure, particularly the Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga near St. Petersburg. The port is a key outlet for Russian oil exports to Asia, helping Moscow circumvent international sanctions. Recent drone strikes have reportedly caused significant damage.

During the meeting, security officials allegedly warned that air defense spending is becoming unsustainable, with the Leningrad region alone reportedly allocating 24 billion rubles (approximately $300 million) to counter drone threats. One official was quoted as saying that destroying decision-making centers would be more effective than continuing to defend against waves of drones.

The reports suggest that Russia could deploy hypersonic weapons to strike bunkers and motorcades of Ukrainian leaders, arguing that existing informal agreements with the West have failed to deter attacks on Russian territory. The Kremlin previously attempted to target Zelensky in the early stages of the 2022 invasion, but those efforts reportedly ceased after Putin gave assurances through intermediaries.

These claims remain unconfirmed by official Russian or Ukrainian sources, and their authenticity is difficult to verify. Analysts caution that such leaks may be intended to signal escalation or gauge international reaction. The situation underscores the growing intensity of the conflict, with both sides increasingly targeting critical infrastructure.