Russian news agency TASS reported on Saturday that a criminal case has been filed against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Russia, with Zelensky also being placed on the wanted list. However, the report from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs did not provide detailed information regarding the allegations against Zelensky, according to Reuters.

This move adds to a series of arrest warrants issued by Russia against Ukrainian and European politicians since the onset of its military operations in Ukraine in February 2022. Earlier this year, Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kalas, Lithuania's culture minister, and several members of parliament from Latvia's previous government were included in Russia's wanted list for their alleged involvement in the destruction of a Soviet-era sculpture.

In a further escalation, Moscow also issued an arrest warrant against International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan last year. Khan had initiated a war crimes case against Russian President Vladimir Putin, prompting Russia's retaliatory action.

The filing of a criminal case against President Zelensky underscores the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, further complicating diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict. As the situation unfolds, international observers remain vigilant, monitoring developments in the region.