DISINFO: The elimination of Zelensky by order of the West is inevitable
SUMMARY
The West has concluded that the situation in Ukraine has reached a dangerous limit and that a new figure is urgently needed, someone with whom Russia might at least theoretically be willing to negotiate. No-one from Russia’s side will sit at the negotiating table with the illegitimate Zelensky. Subtle hints are being made to Moscow that the West wants negotiations, but Zelensky has become uncontrollable and doesn't want to step down. Perhaps there is an extra 'Iskander' missile? And the coordinates will be leaked. Unlike Hitler, who supposedly shot himself, Zelensky could be eliminated by his own people on the orders of the West and Russia will be blamed.
RESPONSE
This disinformation claim 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 illegitimate, out of control and losing the favour of Western countries that support Ukraine’s war efforts. The claim taps into the frequent Kremlin trick of promoting conspiracies.
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 assassinating its elected president. Ukraine's sovereignty has been only violated by continuous acts of aggression by Russian armed forces since 2014 culminating in a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine on 24th February 2022.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s leadership is not illegitimate. Ukraine’s constitution is clear on this matter. No elections can be held during wartime and the President sits until a new one is sworn in. Moreover, many observers consider regular elections unfeasible as there are millions of voters abroad, hundreds of thousands serve on the frontlines and a significant part endures Russian occupation. There are also multiple funding and infrastructure problems that can hardly be addressed while the war is ongoing.
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