Fact Check: Zelenskyy is not legitimate

Zelenskyy is Not Legitimate: A Fact-Check

Introduction

The claim that "Zelenskyy is not legitimate" refers to assertions made by various political figures, notably Russian President Vladimir Putin, regarding the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's presidency, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the absence of elections. This claim has sparked significant debate, especially as Zelenskyy's term officially expired on May 20, 2024, amidst martial law conditions that prevent new elections.

What We Know

1. Zelenskyy's Election and Term: Volodymyr Zelenskyy was elected President of Ukraine in April 2019, winning a significant majority. His term was set for five years, meaning it officially ended in May 2024. However, due to the ongoing war and martial law, elections have been postponed, which has led to questions about his legitimacy 410.

2. Martial Law and Elections: Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has been under martial law, which has made it impossible to hold elections. Ukrainian officials, including Ruslan Stefanchuk, the speaker of parliament, have dismissed claims of Zelenskyy's illegitimacy, labeling them as misinformation and stating that questioning the president's legitimacy during wartime is an act against Ukraine 27.

3. Public Opinion: Polls indicate that a significant majority of Ukrainians (81%) do not wish to hold elections until the war is over, suggesting a general public consensus supporting Zelenskyy's continued leadership under the current circumstances 58.

4. International Perspective: Zelenskyy's leadership has received support from Western allies, who view him as a legitimate leader navigating a crisis. The Atlantic Council notes that while technically his term has expired, the context of war justifies his continued presidency 10.

Analysis

The claim of Zelenskyy's illegitimacy primarily stems from statements made by Russian officials, particularly Putin, who has used the absence of elections as a basis for questioning Zelenskyy's authority. This assertion raises several critical points:

• Source Reliability: The primary sources of the claim include statements from Russian state media and officials, which are often viewed with skepticism due to potential bias and propaganda motives. For example, Reuters reported on Putin's comments, but it is essential to recognize that Russian narratives may be aimed at undermining Ukrainian sovereignty 27.

• Ukrainian Response: Ukrainian officials have firmly rejected the notion that Zelenskyy lacks legitimacy, framing such claims as attempts to destabilize the country during a critical time. This response is significant as it reflects a unified stance within Ukraine's political system against external narratives 210.

• Public Sentiment: The overwhelming support for Zelenskyy among the Ukrainian populace during the war complicates the legitimacy argument. The public's desire for stability during wartime suggests that many view his leadership as essential, regardless of the technicalities surrounding his term expiration 56.

• Context of Martial Law: The imposition of martial law is a critical factor in this discussion. It is a recognized legal framework that allows for the suspension of normal electoral processes in times of crisis. The legitimacy of a leader during such extraordinary circumstances is often debated, but it is generally accepted that continuity of leadership can be necessary for national security 810.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not a legitimate leader is false. Key evidence supporting this conclusion includes the overwhelming public support for Zelenskyy during wartime, the dismissal of illegitimacy claims by Ukrainian officials, and the context of martial law that prevents elections. While it is true that his official term expired in May 2024, the extraordinary circumstances of an ongoing war and the consensus among Ukrainians to postpone elections until peace is restored provide a compelling argument for his continued leadership.

However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence. The situation is fluid, and the political landscape can change rapidly, especially in a conflict zone. Additionally, the narratives surrounding legitimacy are often influenced by political agendas, particularly from opposing sides.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when assessing claims about political legitimacy, especially in complex situations like the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Sources

1. Official website of the President of Ukraine. Link
2. Putin says Ukraine's Zelenskiy lacks legitimacy after term expired | Reuters. Link
3. Fact-checking Donald Trump's claims about war in Ukraine | BBC. Link
4. Volodymyr Zelenskyy - Wikipedia. Link
5. Next Ukrainian presidential election - Wikipedia. Link
6. Ukrainians back Zelensky after disastrous Oval Office ... | BBC. Link
7. Putin queries political legitimacy of Ukrainian President Zelenskiy in absence of elections | Reuters. Link
8. Ukraine's Zelensky stays in power despite term expiring | BBC. Link
9. Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky meets South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa to counter Russia. Link
10. President Zelenskyy's term is over but he's still a legitimate wartime leader - Atlantic Council. Link