Fact Check: Is Vlodimir Zelenskyy a Dictator?
What We Know
The claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a "dictator without elections" was notably made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. This assertion stems from the fact that Ukraine has not held presidential elections since Zelenskyy was elected in 2019, and elections have been suspended due to martial law, which has been in effect since the Russian invasion in February 2022 (BBC). The martial law in Ukraine was established in response to the ongoing conflict and was not a decision made solely by Zelenskyy; it was drafted in 2015, long before his presidency (BBC).
Zelenskyy won the 2019 election with a significant majority, receiving 73% of the vote in a competitive election that was deemed to respect fundamental freedoms by independent observers (BBC). He has expressed intentions to hold new elections once the conflict concludes, recognizing the impracticality of conducting elections amidst ongoing hostilities and widespread displacement of citizens (BBC).
Analysis
The characterization of Zelenskyy as a dictator is misleading and lacks context. While it is true that elections are currently suspended, this is a direct consequence of martial law necessitated by an active war, rather than an indication of authoritarian governance. The claim has been echoed by Russian narratives, which aim to undermine Zelenskyy's legitimacy (BBC).
Furthermore, Trump's comments about Zelenskyy's approval rating being as low as 4% are not substantiated by reliable polling data. A recent survey indicated that 57% of Ukrainians still trust Zelenskyy, although this is a decline from previous years (BBC). The assertion of a 4% approval rating seems to stem from dubious sources, including a poll conducted by a Ukrainian MP who has faced treason charges and is suspected of having ties to Russian intelligence (BBC).
The sources of these claims, particularly those from Trump, are not grounded in verified data and often reflect a political agenda rather than an objective assessment of Zelenskyy's leadership. The use of the term "dictator" in this context appears to be a strategic rhetorical device rather than a factual description of Zelenskyy's governance.
Conclusion
The claim that Volodymyr Zelenskyy is a dictator is False. While elections are currently suspended due to martial law, this situation is a direct result of the ongoing war with Russia, not an indication of dictatorial rule. Zelenskyy's previous election was legitimate, and he has expressed a commitment to democratic processes once the conflict allows for it. The narrative surrounding his leadership, particularly as framed by Trump, aligns more closely with disinformation tactics than with factual reporting.
Sources
- Fact-checking Donald Trump's claims about war in Ukraine
- Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky: The comedian who became a wartime leader
- Is Zelenskyy a Dictator? Fact-Checking Trump's Russia-Ukraine War Claims
- Fact Check: Is Vlodimir Zelenskyy a dictator? | TruthOrFake Blog
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy: A 'dictator', or a 'Ukrainian Churchill'?
- FACT-CHECK: Is Zelensky a Dictator? Fact Sheet on Ukrainian Elections
- Is Zelenskyy a Dictator? Fact-Checking Trump's Russia-Ukraine War Claims
- Trump calls Zelenskyy a 'dictator' as he tries to pressure Kyiv to accept deal to end war
