Fact Check: Zelensy 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 presidential elections since Zelensky's election in 2019. Trump characterized Zelensky as a "dictator without elections" due to the suspension of elections under martial law, which has been in place since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 (BBC).

Zelensky's first term is set to end in May 2024, but the ongoing conflict has made it impractical to hold elections. The legal framework for martial law in Ukraine was established in 2015, long before Zelensky took office (BBC). Observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) have described the 2019 elections as "competitive" with "fundamental freedoms generally respected" (BBC).

Zelensky has expressed 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 is misleading and lacks context. While it is true that elections are currently suspended due to martial law, this situation is a direct result of the ongoing war with Russia, which has led to significant disruptions in governance and public safety (BBC).

Independent sources, including the OSCE, have confirmed that Zelensky was elected in a fair and competitive election, winning a significant majority of the vote (BBC). The characterization of Zelensky as a dictator aligns with narratives often propagated by Russian state media, which aim to undermine his legitimacy (BBC).

Furthermore, Trump's comments have been criticized as part of a broader disinformation campaign that echoes Russian talking points. Experts have pointed out that labeling Zelensky a dictator is a mischaracterization, as he has not unilaterally seized power but is operating within a framework of emergency governance due to external aggression (Al Jazeera).

Conclusion

The claim that "Zelensky is a dictator" is False. While it is accurate that elections are currently suspended due to martial law, this is a temporary measure necessitated by the ongoing war with Russia, not an indication of dictatorial governance. Zelensky was democratically elected, and there is a clear intention to resume elections once the conflict allows for it. The narrative framing him as a dictator serves to undermine his legitimacy and aligns with disinformation tactics used by adversarial states.