DISINFO: European leaders want to replace Zelenskyy to continue the war
SUMMARY
Poroshenko and Klitschko seized on public anger at Zelensky to organise a quick “mini-Maidan”, sending a clear message to European leaders that they have the resources to replace him, keep the war going, and maintain existing financial schemes. It’s clear that this fell on fertile ground. “Spoon-and-napkin lovers” grabbed at the opportunity to topple Zelensky with glee. Naturally, the Europeans have zero need for someone who might at any moment get a green whistle from the White House and end up signing a peace deal – instantly wiping out Berlin, Paris and London’s dreams of a “victory” over Russia. Judging by all signs, EU leaders are right now in lively talks with the plotters, discussing the future balance of power.
RESPONSE
This disinformation claim, presented without any evidence, aims to undermine Ukraine’s leadership and to erode the image of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a frequent target of pro-Kremlin disinformation, by framing him as out of control and losing the favour of Western countries that support Ukraine.
Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state with a democratically-elected president and parliament. Western countries respect the sovereignty of Ukraine and do not interfere in its political life in any form, let alone by plotting and replacing its elected president.
This disinformation stary was made in the context of the peaceful protests in several cities of Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill that critics say weakens the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies. It is a recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative that portrays any type of civic activism as foreign-orchestrated. This narrative aims to delegitimise both Ukraine’s democratic institutions and the agency of its people.
The new law grants the prosecutor general control of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP), and critics say it undermines their authority. While some civil society groups have indeed voiced concern over the recent bill that could affect the independence of anti-corruption agencies, the peaceful protests that followed are a sign of democratic engagement, not foreign interference in any format. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he had submitted a draft law to restore the independence of the two key anti-corruption bodies, NABU and SAP, just days after nationwide protests erupted over changes that had undermined their autonomy.
To learn more about the pro-Kremlin smears targeting President Zelenskyy, please see our article Why is the Kremlin so hung up on smearing Zelenskyy?
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