Fact Check: Zelensky is a dictator

Fact Check: "Zelensky is a dictator"

What We Know

The claim that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is a "dictator" stems from comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that Zelensky is a "dictator without elections" due to the suspension of elections in Ukraine since the onset of martial law in February 2022, following Russia's invasion (BBC). Zelensky was elected in 2019 with a significant majority, receiving approximately 73% of the vote in a competitive election that was deemed to respect fundamental freedoms by independent observers like the OSCE (BBC, DW).

Under Ukrainian law, elections can be suspended during martial law, which was enacted in response to the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelensky has expressed intentions to hold new elections once the conflict concludes (BBC, AFP). Despite the claim of a low approval rating, recent polls indicate that 57% of Ukrainians still trust Zelensky, although this is a decrease from previous years (BBC, Kyiv Post).

Analysis

The assertion that Zelensky is a dictator lacks substantial evidence and is contradicted by the democratic processes that led to his election. The characterization of Zelensky as a dictator is often used in the context of his inability to hold elections due to martial law, a situation that was not created by his administration but rather by the external aggression from Russia (BBC, DW).

Moreover, the claim of a 4% approval rating cited by Trump has not been substantiated by credible sources. The figure appears to stem from dubious claims made by critics of Zelensky, including individuals with ties to Russian interests (BBC, AFP). The reliability of sources that support the "dictator" narrative is questionable, as they often align with Russian propaganda aimed at undermining Zelensky's legitimacy (BBC, DW).

In contrast, reputable polling organizations have shown that while Zelensky's popularity has declined, he still maintains a significant level of support among the Ukrainian populace. This indicates that the narrative of him being a dictator is not only misleading but also politically motivated (Kyiv Post, US News).

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that Volodymyr Zelensky is a dictator is unfounded and misleading. While elections are currently suspended due to martial law, this situation is a direct consequence of the ongoing war with Russia, not a reflection of Zelensky's governance style. His election in 2019 was legitimate and widely recognized, and despite challenges, he has expressed a commitment to democratic processes. The use of the term "dictator" in this context serves to distort the reality of Ukraine's political situation and undermine the legitimacy of its leadership.

Fact Check: Zelensky is a dictator