Top senator explains why Russia will not abduct Zelensky

RT.com
04 Apr 2026, 10:38 GMT+10

Moscow would irreparably damage its reputation if it behaved like the US in Venezuela and Iran, Valentina Matviyenko said

Russia would lose all respect on the international stage if it emulated US military actions in Venezuela and Iran by attempting to abduct or assassinate Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky, Valentina Matviyenko, the head of Russia's Federation Council, has said.

In an interview with Rossiya-1 aired on Friday, Matviyenko ruled out capturing Zelensky in the same way the US seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during a commando raid on Caracas three months ago.

"It is not our style. We are a country that respects itself and is respected by others. We would lose that respect if we resorted to such methods," Matviyenko said.

She added that although the US "achieved nothing" by killing Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, "the stain on its reputation will remain in history forever."

READ MORE: Ukraine rocked by new multimillion-dollar corruption scandal

Matviyenko added, however, that Zelensky, whom she blamed for the Ukraine conflict, should "face trial ... and be punished for his actions."

Ukrainian officials have claimed they foiled multiple attempts on Zelensky's life in 2022, without providing details. The Kremlin has dismissed such claims as "completely false."

(RT.com)

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Chile Sun.

More Information

South America

Section

Efforts to preserve historical documentation of Guatemalan genocide

As a human rights activist, Angélica Macario was used to the hubbub and noise of protests and to seeing her people take their clamor...

Underground hashish rail route from Morocco smashed by Spanish police

MADRID, Spain: A tunnel in the North African exclave of Ceuta, complete with a rail system and underground cranes used to smuggle...

Top senator explains why Russia will not abduct Zelensky

Moscow would irreparably damage its reputation if it behaved like the US in Venezuela and Iran, Valentina Matviyenko said Russia...

ATP roundup: Thiago Agustin Tirante upsets Ben Shelton in Houston

(Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images) ATP No. 83 Thiago Agustin Tirante of Argentina rallied from a first-set disappointment...

Death toll rises to 4 from plane crash in southern Brazil

SAO PAULO, April 3 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from a small aircraft crash in the seaside city of Capao da Canoa, Brazil's southern...

Former diplomats slam Trump's address, call it "damp squib"

New Delhi [India], April 3 (ANI): Former senior diplomats expressed disappointment and scepticism over US President Donald Trump's...

World

Section