All Ukrainians expect Zelenskyy's resignation because it will bring the long-awaited peace, pro-Kremlin propaganda writes, citing a Ukrainian deputy put on an international wanted list.
Propaganda: The war in Ukraine continues because of Zelenskyy's terrorist policies
NEWS: Supreme Rada deputy Artem Dmytruk called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy the only obstacle in the way of peace. According to the Ukrainian MP, the overwhelming majority of citizens support the initiative to dismiss the Ukrainian leader. “We are at a crossroads now, and the world will decide whether the conflict will end or whether it will continue under the leadership of the terrorist Zelenskyy”, the deputy said. Dmytruk pointed out that, right now, it is crucial to present the actual situation. Earlier, Zelenskyy accused Russia of “manipulation” in negotiations with the USA and the desire to “deceive the whole world”. Before that, the Kremlin published a list of Russian and Ukrainian targets, agreed upon by Moscow and Washington, that are subject to the temporary moratorium on strikes on the energy system.
NARRATIVES: 1. Peace in Ukraine depends on the resignation of Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 2. Ukrainian authorities are terrorists.
PURPOSE: To exonerate Russia in the context of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine. To discredit president Zelenskyy and Ukrainian authorities. To influence the international perception of the armed conflict.
Fact: The war in Ukraine could end at any moment if Russia decides to stop occupying foreign territory
WHY THE NARRATIVES ARE FALSE: Most Ukrainians are not calling for Zelenskyy’s resignation. In early March, 59.6% of Ukrainians said they trusted the president, according to a survey conducted by the Razumkov Center, so the leader in Kyiv continues to enjoy widespread support. Ukrainians want a quick and lasting peace, however without territorial concessions, and support Zelenskyy’s policy in this regard. 82% of Ukrainians believe that the army should fight for lost territories despite a possible loss of Western support, according to a poll by the International Institute of Sociology in Kiev. Therefore, the real opinions of Ukrainians differ from those presented in the pro-Kremlin narrative, based on a Telegram post by fugitive deputy Artem Dmytruk, in whose name an international arrest warrant was issued.
Zelenskyy is not an obstacle in the way of peace, rather in the way of Kyiv’s surrender. The war can be stopped at any moment by Russia’s unilateral decision to stop occupying foreign territories and withdraw its troops. After the February 2022 attack, Russia was the one that actually disrupted peace in all regions of Ukraine. Zelenskyy did not start the war, but was the one who organized the country’s defenses against external aggression. Moreover, any peace talks involve two parties: the attacker (Russia) and the attacked (Ukraine). To claim that Zelenskyy is the only obstacle in the way of peace is to ignore the real backdrop of the conflict and artificially transfer the blame for the war to the victim. The real obstacle remains Russia's desire to continue its military expansion.
Ukraine is not a terrorist state, as Russian propaganda claims. Kyiv cooperates with the international community to combat terrorism, and there are a number of international conventions signed by Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities have implemented strict measures to prevent and combat terrorist activities, including by means of cooperation with international organizations and foreign partners. The Law of Ukraine on combating terrorism systematizes the collaborative practices of the state and defines the institutions responsible for counterterrorism work.
Terrorism-related allegations are, in fact, designed to destabilize Ukraine and undermine citizens' trust in the government. Broadly speaking, a terrorist state is one that uses acts of violence against populations that are not directly involved in the conflict, but with the potential to put pressure on the enemy leadership. According to the UN Charter, Ukraine has the right to defend itself. Moreover, Kyiv has declared a state of war, unlike Russia, which still calls its aggression a “special military operation”. All of Kyiv’s actions are efforts of self-defense, and there is therefore no legal basis to designate Ukraine as a terrorist state or to call Zelenskyy a terrorist.
BACKGROUND: The false narrative is based on a Telegram post by fugitive MP Artem Dmytruk. He was part of the parliamentary group of the pro-presidential “Servant of the People” party, but was later expelled and illegally left the territory of Ukraine, fleeing via Transnistria. He on the internationally wanted list, facing treason allegations. In 2024, the MP was charged for assaulting a soldier and a law enforcement officer. Dmytruk is often quoted by Russian media, as are other fugitive Ukrainian politicians. Pro-Kremlin propaganda tries to promote the idea that they represent the mainstream opinion of Ukrainian society. MP Dmitruk is frequently quoted by Russian media, including in interviews to Russia Today, where he criticizes the Ukrainian government and president Zelenskyy. Often, the statements of fugitive pro-Kremlin politicians are presented in such manner as to make readers believe they were made inside Ukraine itself or even in the Supreme Rada – the one-chamber Parliament of Ukraine.
