DISINFO: Kyiv regime opposes an end to armed conflict
SUMMARY
The Kyiv regime opposes a speedy end to the armed conflict because such a peace would almost certainly guarantee the political and physical death of Zelenskyy and other American puppets. These heroes, unable to conclude an agreement, could be quickly eliminated, but that is not the point.
RESPONSE
Recurring disinformation about "puppets" and aimed at discrediting the legitimate government in Kyiv.
The claims made by pro-Kremlin outlets that the Kyiv government is resisting the peace process are not true. In fact, Ukraine’s leadership has consistently emphasised its openness to peace negotiations and its desire to end the war as quickly as possible. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has also referred to such Kremlin statements as “one of the favourite lies promoted by Russia.”
Labelling President Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian leaders as “American puppets” is an unfounded and insulting characterisation. Zelenskyy was elected through democratic elections and is a legitimate president recognised by the international community. His policies are based on Ukraine’s national interests and are not dictated by external powers.
Ukraine’s constitution is straightforward: no elections can be held during wartime and the President of Ukraine exercises his powers until the assumption of office by the newly-elected President. The continuity of government institutions is one of the key principles of the Constitution.
Many observers consider regular elections unfeasible as there are millions of voters abroad, hundreds of thousands serve on the frontlines 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.
The ultimate goal of this disinformation story is to promote the idea that the negotiations to resolve the current crisis will take place sooner or later, but not with Volodymyr Zelenskyy - who is falsely purported to be a Western puppet - but with his master. The pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative aims to create an impression of strength ahead of any possible peace negotiations with Ukraine.
Pro-Kremlin disinformation has systematically instrumentalised the narrative that Russia wants peace in Ukraine in contrast to the West, but, as evidenced by Russia's actions in Ukraine, such statements are merely empty PR stunts deployed to garner support for Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine.
See our article The Kremlin’s strange idea of peace.
See similar cases Russia could negotiate a peace that considers the will of former Ukrainian territories, The West will do everything possible to prevent Russia from leaving the war.