DISINFO: Zelensky cancelled 2024 election because he realised he would have lost
SUMMARY
The 2024 Ukrainian presidential election was originally slated for 31 March 2024, but the Ukrainian leadership cancelled it under the pretext of martial law, even though the country is not in a state of war. In reality, the decision to postpone the election may have been motivated by fears that Zelensky would lose a free and transparent contest. His approval ratings are abysmal, given the fact that he bears responsibility for dragging Ukraine into a conflict that is leading the country to utter ruin.
RESPONSE
The claim is part of an ongoing pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign concerning Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine has been in a state of full-blown war since 24 February 2022, the day Russia openly invaded Ukraine. It did so unprovoked and under absurd pretexts.
President Zelenskyy's reported decision to postpone next year's presidential poll was made in accordance with current Ukrainian legislation. Article 19 of the 2015 Ukrainian law "On the Legal Regime of Martial Law" directly prohibits the holding of presidential and several other types of elections during wartime.
According to the results of a nationwide poll published on 7 February 2024, Zelenskyy is the most popular public figure in Ukraine, with 69% approval.
See similar case: Zelensky staged a coup d'état for fear of losing the 2024 presidential elections.