President Donald Trump of the United States has made statements appearing to blame Ukraine for the war with Russia, from his residence at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. During a conversation with reporters, Trump touched upon President Volodymyr Zelensky’s popularity and noted that Ukraine had not held scheduled elections due to martial law.
Trump’s remarks, which seemed to echo common Russian viewpoints on the conflict, were made shortly after US officials engaged in talks with a Russian delegation in Riyadh aimed at resolving the nearly three-year-long conflict. In response, Zelensky accused Trump of being influenced by Russian disinformation.
The BBC Verify team has fact-checked Trump’s assertions. Ukrainian authorities expressed dissatisfaction with not being included in the talks in Riyadh, but Trump dismissed these concerns, suggesting that Ukraine had ample time to end the conflict and vaguely insinuating that Kyiv initiated the war.
Russia has previously accused Ukraine of instigating the conflict in 2014, a claim refuted by the fact that Russia initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, following the annexation of Crimea in 2014. The conflict ensued after the ousting of Ukraine’s pro-Russian president and Russian support for separatist groups in eastern Ukraine, amidst allegations of discrimination and genocide against Russian speakers by the new government in Kyiv, which the International Court of Justice has rejected.
Putin initiated the invasion in February 2022 under the pretext of “demilitarizing and denazifying” the government of Zelensky and preventing Ukraine from joining NATO. Despite claims made by President Trump regarding Zelensky’s diminishing approval rating, sources have been requested for verification, as recent surveys indicate a decline in the president’s popularity.
Polls reveal a drop in trust towards Zelensky, with various surveys suggesting a potential runoff between Zelensky and Valerii Zaluzhnyi, his main contender. However, conducting accurate polls in a time of conflict remains challenging due to mass displacement of Ukrainians and Russian occupation of significant territory.
Following Trump’s statements, concerns have arisen regarding the impact of his rhetoric on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
Numerous media outlets have recently highlighted a controversial claim regarding the political landscape in Ukraine. The claim, which gained traction through a poll conducted by Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Dubinsky on Telegram, has been perceived by some as supporting former US President Donald Trump’s viewpoint. The poll, however, has sparked debate and skepticism due to Dubinsky’s own legal troubles in Ukraine, where he faces charges of treason and allegations of connections to Russian intelligence, allegations which he vehemently denies.
Trump’s reference to the lack of a presidential election in Ukraine since 2019, when Volodymyr Zelensky, a former comedian with no prior political experience, assumed office, has brought attention to the unique circumstances surrounding Ukrainian politics. Zelensky’s initial term in office, set to conclude in May 2024, has been overshadowed by the ongoing martial law imposed following Russia’s invasion in February 2022, effectively halting any plans for upcoming elections.
The implementation of martial law in Ukraine dates back to 2015, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea, predating Zelensky’s tenure as president. Recent decisions by Ukraine’s parliament to postpone elections until the resolution of the conflict have garnered public support, with a majority of Ukrainians expressing opposition to holding elections amidst the current war situation, as indicated by a survey conducted by the International Republican Institute.
Zelensky has publicly stated his intention to hold a new election once the conflict subsides but has yet to confirm his candidacy. With Russian attacks persisting in various regions and millions of Ukrainians displaced or living under Russian occupation, the feasibility of conducting elections in the near future remains a topic of debate among experts.
Trump’s remarks on Ukraine’s electoral predicament came amidst renewed accusations from the Kremlin questioning Zelensky’s legitimacy as president, citing the expiration of his term in office. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously labeled Zelensky as “illegitimate,” echoing Moscow’s longstanding criticism of the Ukrainian leader.
In response to the ongoing political turmoil, Zelensky has emphasized the need for stability and cautioned against diverting focus to electoral matters amid the conflict. The complexities of the situation, compounded by external pressures and internal strife, underscore the challenges facing Ukraine in navigating its political future.
As the narrative surrounding Ukraine’s political landscape continues to evolve, it remains crucial to analyze the various perspectives and interests at play. The intersection of international actors, domestic dynamics, and public sentiment will shape the country’s path forward, with implications extending beyond its borders.
In light of these developments, the role of journalism in uncovering, presenting, and analyzing the complexities of the situation becomes paramount. By adhering to ethical standards and pursuing the truth, journalists play a vital role in informing the public and fostering a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.
This report draws attention to the ongoing political developments in Ukraine, highlighting the intricacies of the situation and the diverse perspectives shaping the discourse. As events continue to unfold, a
