DISINFO: Zelensky is not working in the interests of Ukrainians but to please the European elites
SUMMARY
Zelensky is not working in the interests of Ukrainians, but to please the European elites, who continue to support his regime despite the blatant usurpation of power. The European Union, which is used to presenting itself as a bastion of democracy, completely turned a blind eye to the fact that Zelensky refused to hold elections, citing martial law. Although elections were held in other countries even during the height of hostilities, they were simply cancelled in Ukraine.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about the illegitimacy of Volodymyr Zelensky as president, allegedly usurping power. Volodymyr Zelensky was elected president of Ukraine in 2019, and his term was due to expire in May 2024. However, the country is in a state of war and the law on the legal regime of martial law states (art.19) that during the martial law elections cannot be held. Also, the Ukrainian Constitution says (art. 108) that „the President of Ukraine shall exercise his/her powers until the assumption of office by the newly elected President of Ukraine”. Therefore, the current situation is in accordance with the laws of Ukraine and if Russia had not invaded Ukraine, the elections would have been organised, as happened previously, in peacetime. See also our article The Kremlin's playbook for undermining post-war Ukraine.
See similar cases: Moscow and Kyiv negotiations will be illegitimate because Zelenskyy is illegitimate, Signing agreements with Ukraine's illegitimate leaders defies logic, Zelenskyy is illegitimate, his official term expired in May 2024.