Natalia Zinets, Pavel Polityuk

KYIV (Reuters – Ukraine has discovered a plot to stage a coup with Russian involvement, which is expected to take place next week. President Volodymyr Zilenskiy stated this Friday during a press conference.

Zelenskiy didn’t give all details about the coup plot or accuse Russia of being involved, but he did speak at length during the press conference and mentioned a Russian threat to military escalation and that Ukraine was ready.

Quickly, the Kremlin denied that it was involved in any plot to overthrow President Trump.

Russia has increased its presence near the border to Ukraine. In recent days, Kyiv and NATO raised concerns about possible Russian attacks — something the Kremlin dismissed as alarmist and false.

“We face many challenges, not just from the Russian Federation or possible escalation. We also have huge internal challenges. Zelenskiy indicated that information has come to me that there will be a coup de etat in the country Dec. 1-2.

Zelenskiy said that audio recordings from Ukraine were evidence of the plot to overthrow President Vladimir Putin.

Moscow and Kyiv exchange blame over rising tensions these weeks. There are fears that an ongoing conflict between Ukraine (Russia-backed separatists) could escalate into open warfare.

Zelenskiy stated that “we are in complete control of our borders” and was fully ready for any possible escalation.

Last week, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence said to Military Times that Russia has more than 92,000 troops positioned around Ukraine’s borders. He was also preparing for an attack at the beginning or end of February.

Ukraine received an enormous shipment of ammunition and Javelin missiles from the United States earlier in the year. This led to criticism from Moscow.

Zelenskiy said that his chief of staff Andriy Yarmak will soon contact representatives from Russia regarding the dispute between the two nations. Separately, Yermak stated that he will be contacting Dmitry Kozak, a senior Kremlin official.