The President of Ukraine Accused Russia of Preparing a Coup, as Russian Troops Amass Near the Border

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, not pictured, give statements ahead of talks at the Chancellery in Berlin, Monday, July 12, 2021. (Stefanie Loos/Pool Photo via AP)

Ukraine's president has accused Russia of preparing a coup as early as next week.

Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that he has information that Russia is involved in a coup planned for December 1 or December 2, Reuters reported.

He told a press conference, according to Reuters: "We have challenges not only from the Russian Federation and possible escalation — we have big internal challenges. I received information that a coup d'etat will take place in our country on December 1-2."

The warning comes as Russia builds up troops along its border with Ukraine, stoking fears that it could be preparing an invasion.

The U.S. warned allies that Russia may decide to invade Ukraine in the next few months and could deploy around 100,000 troops to Ukraine, Bloomberg reported this week.

Experts also told Insider's Ryan Pickrell that a Russian invasion of Ukraine is a "very real possibility."

Ukraine's defense ministry warned this week that Russia is increasing its "combat readiness" in Ukraine.

The head of Ukraine's defense intelligence agency also told Military Times last week that Russia already has around 100,000 troops on the border.

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