Kathrine Frich
Death threats are nothing new for leaders at war.
But as the conflict drags on, the language emerging from Russia is taking a darker and more unsettling turn.
Escalating rhetoric
Senior Russian figures have issued stark threats against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to reporting by the Daily Express.
Mikhail Sheremet, a Moscow-installed official in annexed Crimea, described Zelensky in severe terms and warned of punishment.
“I consider [Volodymyr Zelensky] a criminal,” he said.
“A war criminal who will sooner or later face the punishment he deserves. Everyone around him will end up [with a fate] similar to Epstein’s.”
Calls for trial
Other senior voices in Russia have echoed similar demands.
Col-Gen Andrei Kartapolov, head of the Russian parliament’s defence committee, said Zelensky should be captured and put on trial.
“We need Zelensky alive so that he can be brought to justice for all his crimes against his own people, first and foremost, and against the people of Russia,” he said.
Kartapolov also suggested Zelensky would ultimately be forced into accepting terms set by Moscow.
“We need someone who is capable of organising the signing of these very peace agreements once we reach them.”
War pressure grows
The sharp rhetoric comes as Russia faces mounting challenges on the battlefield.
According to Ukrainian military figures cited in the report, Russian forces have suffered heavy recent losses, including around 1,700 troops in a single day earlier this week.
At the same time, Ukraine has continued long-range strikes using missiles and drones, while Russian advances on the ground have slowed.
These developments have added pressure on the Kremlin as the conflict enters another prolonged phase.
Wider threats
Russian officials have also issued warnings beyond Ukraine.
Kartapolov claimed that any country assisting Kyiv in developing nuclear capabilities would be targeted, though no evidence was provided to support such claims.
“This…is a direct threat to our country,” he said.
“We would be obliged to strike at the country that has taken such a reckless step. [An] escapade [to supply nuclear weapons] was nipped in the bud.”
Personal attacks
Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev also launched a personal attack on Zelensky.
“The stinky dog seriously hopes to hold elections in the dying country, rise from the ashes, and regain his legitimate status,” he said.
He suggested Zelensky’s only chance of survival would be to step aside from negotiations.
“Why am I writing about this now? To dispel the illusions of everyone who associates the possibility of conflict resolution with this creature.”
Sources: Daily Express, Ukrainian General Staff
