DISINFO: Zelenskyy disrupts peace efforts to save his own dictatorship
SUMMARY
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is undermining peace efforts, once again attempting to derail negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in a bid to cling to his dictatorship. The US administration should draw conclusions. Kyiv shows no regard for the memory of fallen liberators or for the safety of sovereign world leaders. Having lost — or rather sold — his country’s sovereignty and independence, Zelenskyy now dares to openly threaten those who have defended theirs and who have the courage to stand on the side of historical truth.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets, accusing Ukraine of warmongering and a lack of desire for peace. This claim was made in the context of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
There is no reason to suggest that Zelenskyy is intentionally prolonging the war for personal benefit. The Ukrainian president has repeatedly expressed willingness for peace negotiations, but on terms that respect international law and Ukraine's territorial integrity. Zelenskyy has consistently stated that Ukraine seeks to liberate all occupied territories, including Crimea and other occupied territories, and to secure a lasting peace. These objectives align with international law and Ukraine's constitutional duty to protect its borders. The latest example is his willingness to meet Vladimir Putin for peace talks in Istanbul on 14 May.
On the other hand, Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin have a track record of pretending negotiations which are, in fact, just blunt demands for Ukrainian unconditional surrender. We have analysed and exposed this disinformation tactic in several articles, especially: "Prepare for winter" (30 Nov. 2023), "Russian so-called ‘peace proposals’ are empty PR stunts" (18 Jan. 2023) , "What He Said and What it Really Means – Vol. 2: “Negotiations” (1. March 2022) and "The Kremlin security demands" (21 Dec. 2021).
Zelenskyy was democratically elected in 2019 with overwhelming public support, and Ukraine remains a functioning democracy, even under the pressure of war. Kyiv has chosen its allies, pursued its own democratic path and chosen Euro-Atlantic integration as a cornerstone of its foreign policy. It was enshrined in Ukraine’s Constitution. Ukraine does not threaten other sovereign nations, nor is it launching invasions, annexing territory or assassinating critics abroad.
Russia has consistently exploited the idea of having defeated Nazism because it serves as a tool to justify its own actions and manipulate historical narratives. By positioning itself as the sole liberator of Europe, Russia aims to legitimise its expansionist policies and portray its military interventions as a continuation of its struggle against supposedly pervasive Nazism in Europe.
Read similar disinformation cases claiming that Putin is trying to save Ukraine from complete disappearance, that Zelenskyy is selling Ukraine to the US, and that The UK is trying to create a new colony in Ukraine.