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 noted that Ukraine has not held a presidential election since Zelensky's election in 2019 due to martial law imposed after Russia's invasion in February 2022. Trump characterized Zelensky as a "dictator without elections" in a Truth Social post and during a news conference. However, it is important to note that Ukraine's martial law, which suspends elections, was enacted in response to an ongoing war and was established under legislation drafted in 2015, long before Zelensky took office (BBC).

Zelensky won the presidency with a significant majority, receiving 73% of the vote in a competitive election that independent observers deemed fair (BBC). He has publicly stated his intention to hold elections once the conflict concludes, emphasizing that conducting elections during wartime would be "absolutely irresponsible" (BBC).

Analysis

The assertion that Zelensky is a dictator lacks substantial evidence and context. First, the term "dictator" implies an authoritarian regime that suppresses political opposition and civil liberties. In contrast, Zelensky's government operates under a democratic framework, albeit under extraordinary circumstances due to the war. The suspension of elections is a temporary measure necessitated by martial law, which is a common practice in many countries facing existential threats (KyivPost).

Moreover, Trump's comments appear to echo narratives often propagated by Russian state media, which have sought to undermine Zelensky's legitimacy (BBC). The credibility of Trump's claims is further weakened by the lack of reliable polling data to support his assertion that Zelensky's approval rating has plummeted to 4%. Polls conducted during the war indicate that while Zelensky's popularity has declined, a majority of Ukrainians still express trust in him (KyivPost).

Additionally, the source of Trump's claims about Zelensky's approval rating appears dubious, as it has been linked to Oleksandr Dubinsky, a Ukrainian MP known for his pro-Russian stance and facing charges of treason (BBC, New York Times). This connection raises questions about the reliability of the information being cited.

Conclusion

The claim that "Zelensky is a dictator" is False. The assertion is based on a misunderstanding of the political situation in Ukraine, particularly the context of martial law and the suspension of elections due to an ongoing war. Zelensky's government, though facing significant challenges, operates within a democratic framework and has expressed intentions to restore electoral processes once the conflict is resolved. Furthermore, the sources of the claim, particularly those associated with Trump, lack credibility and are often aligned with narratives that seek to delegitimize Ukraine's leadership.

Fact Check: Zelensky is a dictator