Zelenskyy says assassination attempt foiled against National Guard commander

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said an assassination attempt was carried out on Ihor Obolensky, a senior National Guard commander, adding that the suspects had been detained.

“Spoke with ‘Khartia’ commander Ihor Obolensky. Today there was an assassination attempt on Ihor. The attacker and his accomplice have been detained. Necessary procedural actions are underway,” Zelenskyy said in a post on Telegram on Friday, July 31.

Zelenskyy added that Ukraine would respond to the attack on the commander, without providing further details.

Obolensky, a colonel in the National Guard of Ukraine, commands the 2nd Corps known as “Khartia.” He was previously the long-serving head of the 13th Brigade “Khartia,” which has been involved in combat operations in the Kharkiv region and other areas.

He holds a military education and a master’s degree in law. On July 15, 2026, Zelenskyy awarded him the title Hero of Ukraine along with the Order of the Golden Star in recognition of his outstanding service in defending the country.

By Tamilla Hasanova