Fact Check: "Zelensky is a dictator"
What We Know
The claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is a "dictator without elections" has been prominently made by former President Donald Trump. This assertion stems from the fact that Ukraine has not held presidential elections since Zelensky was elected in 2019, primarily due to the ongoing martial law imposed since Russia's invasion in February 2022 (BBC). The martial law, which was enacted in response to the conflict, has suspended elections, a situation that was anticipated under Ukraine's legal framework established in 2015, long before Zelensky's presidency (BBC).
Zelensky won the 2019 election with a significant majority, receiving 73% of the vote in the second round, and independent observers noted that the election was competitive and fundamental freedoms were generally respected (BBC). Despite the lack of elections, Zelensky has expressed intentions to hold them once the conflict concludes (BBC).
Analysis
The characterization of Zelensky as a dictator is misleading and lacks context. While it is true that elections have been suspended due to martial law, this is a temporary measure necessitated by an ongoing war, not an indication of dictatorial governance. According to experts, holding elections during active conflict is impractical, given the displacement of millions of citizens and ongoing military threats (BBC).
Moreover, Trump's claims appear to echo narratives commonly used by Russian officials to delegitimize Zelensky's presidency. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously labeled Zelensky as "illegitimate," a claim that has been widely discredited (BBC). The use of such rhetoric by Trump raises questions about the motivations behind his statements, especially given the context of ongoing disinformation campaigns surrounding the war (BBC).
In terms of public support, while there has been a noted decline in Zelensky's approval ratings, recent polls indicate that approximately 57% of Ukrainians still express trust in him (BBC]. This is a significant majority, contradicting Trump's assertion that his approval has plummeted to 4% (BBC).
The sources used to support the claim of Zelensky being a dictator are primarily based on Trump's statements without substantial evidence or acknowledgment of the complex political and military situation in Ukraine. Reliable sources, including independent fact-checkers, have consistently refuted the claim, emphasizing that Zelensky was democratically elected and that the current situation is a result of extraordinary circumstances (US News, Al Jazeera).
Conclusion
The claim that Zelensky is a dictator is False. While it is true that elections have been suspended due to martial law, this is a necessary response to an ongoing military conflict and does not equate to dictatorial rule. Zelensky was democratically elected and has expressed intentions to hold elections once the situation allows. The narrative presented by Trump aligns more closely with disinformation tactics used by Russia to undermine Zelensky's legitimacy rather than an accurate portrayal of the political reality in Ukraine.
Sources
- Fact-checking Donald Trump's claims about war in Ukraine
- Trump calls Zelensky a 'dictator' as he hits back at ' ...
- Fact-checking Trump's main criticisms of Zelensky
- Is Zelenskyy a Dictator? Fact-Checking Trump's Russia ...
- US President Trump's claims about Zelenskyy and Ukraine ...
- Fact-checking Trump's claims: Is Zelenskyy a dictator?
- Trump's False and Misleading Ukraine Claims
- Trump's lies about Zelensky, US aid to Ukraine and ...
