Biden “concerned” over reports of Ukraine coup plot
U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed concern in the wake of reports of an alleged plot being worked out to topple President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.
That’s according to the Voice of America, Ukrinform reports.
“I am concerned,” President Biden told journalists on Friday, November 26.
“Look, we support Ukraine’s territorial integrity, we support Ukraine’s ability to govern itself,” the U.S. leader said.
Asked if he is going to discuss the issue with his Ukrainian counterpart, Biden said he was, “in all probability.”
As reported, on November 26, during a press marathon, President Zelensky claimed Ukrainian security agencies had obtained intelligence suggesting ongoing talks between certain “representatives of Ukraine and Russia” on involving Ukrainian mogul Rinat Akhmetov in the coup plot.
"Some people are discussing the need to convey information that today Rinat Akhmetov is ready to get involved in the coup d'etat, the toppling of the incumbent President. I believe this is tailored information aimed to engage Akhmetov in the war against me, against the state. I think this is about destabilizing the situation within the country," Zelensky said Friday.
Later the same day, Akhmetov decried reports of his alleged complicity in any toppling plans.
"I am outraged by the spread of this lie, regardless of the motives driving the President. My position was and will remain unequivocal – an independent democratic and integral Ukraine, together with Crimea and my native Donbas. My actions testify to this," said Akhmetov, who Forbes says is Ukraine’s wealthiest businessman worth nearly $7.6 billion.
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