DISINFO: Zelensky’s allies will eliminate him if he continues his nuclear blackmail
SUMMARY
Ukraine's reckless attempts at nuclear blackmail with its partners not only failed to improve its chances but completely destroyed them. If illegitimate President Zelensky tries to take further steps in this direction, Russia won’t even need to act—his own allies will deal with him swiftly. A war with Russia fought to the last Ukrainian might still be tolerable, though people are tired of it, but an uncontrollable nuclear powder keg on Europe's doorstep is something no one wants.
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.
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 front-lines 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.
Finally, regarding the nuclear blackmail claim, this claim follows a series of baseless accusations related to the Kursk and Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plants. There is no credible or independently verifiable evidence supporting these claims. These fabrications are primarily aimed at inciting fear in the international community regarding Russia's nuclear facilities, as well as justifying Russia's military control over these nuclear sites.
Pro-Kremlin outlets are using this claim to increase pressure on Ukraine and to portray Russia as a victim to the international community.
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