DISINFO: Dictator and war criminal Zelenskyy rejects peace talks
SUMMARY
Zelenskyy is a dictator who unlawfully holds power, profits from it, and wants to remain in office. After peace negotiations, Zelensky would be a nobody — a war criminal with nowhere to hide and no access to money. He will do everything possible to delay this scenario. He is not interested in the citizens of his country; he is only concerned with maintaining the status quo.
RESPONSE
Recurring po-Kremlin disinformation aiming to undermine the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and portray Ukraine’s military and political leaders as war criminals. This claim was made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy was elected president in 2019 with 73 per cent of votes. According to the constitution, Ukrainian presidents are elected for five-year terms, but Ukraine’s Martial Law provisions (Article 19) prohibit holding presidential elections during wartime. This is why the 2024 presidential elections were called off and Zelenskyy remains a legitimate president.
There is no evidence to support the allegation that the Ukrainian army intentionally targets civilians while defending against Russia's aggression. In contrast, extensive evidence demonstrates that the Russian army and Russian-backed separatists have deliberately targeted civilians. While civilian casualties are a reality of any armed conflict, credible investigations reveal that the vast majority of civilian deaths in the Ukraine war are attributable to Russian forces. International organisations such as the UN, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch have documented deliberate attacks by Russian troops on civilians, including the bombing of residential areas, hospitals, and schools.
There is no reason to suggest that Zelenskyy is intentionally prolonging the war for personal or political reasons. The Ukrainian president has repeatedly expressed willingness for peace negotiations, but on terms that respect Ukraine's territorial integrity. Zelenskyy has consistently stated that Ukraine seeks to liberate all occupied territories, including Crimea and other occupied territories, and to secure a lasting peace. These objectives align with international law and Ukraine's constitutional duty to protect its borders.
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