London: More than 400 Russian mercenaries are operating in Kyiv with orders from the Kremlin to assassinate Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and his government, the Times newspaper reported.
The elimination of Zelensky, who has emerged as the symbol of Ukraine's military challenge to the Russian invasion, will prepare the ground for Moscow to take control, The Times said.
The Wagner Group, a private militia run by one of President Putin's closest allies, flew in mercenaries from Africa five weeks ago on a mission to decapitate Zelensky's government in return for a handsome financial bonus.
Information about their mission reached the Ukrainian government on Saturday morning.
Hours later Kyiv declared a 36-hour “hard” curfew to sweep the city for Russian saboteurs, warning civilians that they would be seen as Kremlin agents and risked being “liquidated” if they stepped outside. (UNI)