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 asserted that Zelensky is a "dictator without elections" due to the suspension of elections during martial law in Ukraine, which has been in effect since the Russian invasion began in February 2022 (BBC). Zelensky was elected in 2019 with a significant majority, receiving 73% of the vote in a competitive election that was deemed to respect fundamental freedoms by independent observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) (BBC).

Zelensky's term is set to end in May 2024, but the ongoing conflict has made it impossible to hold elections, a situation that was anticipated as Ukraine's martial laws were established in 2015, long before Zelensky took office (BBC). He has publicly stated that he intends to hold elections once the conflict concludes, emphasizing the impracticality of conducting elections amidst ongoing military operations (BBC).

Analysis

The assertion that Zelensky is a dictator lacks substantial evidence and is primarily based on the fact that elections have been suspended due to martial law. This situation is not unique to Ukraine; many countries suspend elections during times of war or national emergency to maintain stability and security. The characterization of Zelensky as a dictator is further complicated by the context of his election and the democratic processes that were in place prior to the conflict.

Independent analyses, such as those from the Kyiv Post and other fact-checking organizations, have pointed out that Trump's claims echo Russian narratives aimed at undermining Zelensky's legitimacy (Kyiv Post, NBC News). Additionally, Trump's comments have been criticized for lacking credible evidence, particularly regarding Zelensky's approval ratings, which Trump claimed had plummeted to 4% without providing a reliable source (BBC, U.S. News).

Moreover, the credibility of sources that support Trump's claims is questionable. For instance, a poll cited by Trump was conducted by a Ukrainian MP who has been charged with treason, raising concerns about the reliability of the data (BBC).

In contrast, reputable polling organizations have indicated that a majority of Ukrainians still express trust in Zelensky, despite a decline in approval ratings during the war (BBC). This suggests that while Zelensky's popularity may have waned, it does not substantiate the claim that he is a dictator.

Conclusion

The claim that Volodymyr Zelensky is a dictator is False. While it is true that elections have been suspended due to martial law, this is a temporary measure in response to an ongoing war, not an indication of dictatorial governance. Zelensky was democratically elected and has expressed intentions to hold elections once the conflict is resolved. The characterization of him as a dictator is largely a political attack that lacks factual basis and relies on misleading interpretations of the current situation in Ukraine.

Fact Check: Zelensky is a dictator