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High-profile figures are sharing a video on social media that they claim shows Ukrainians gathering to protest against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his handling of Russia’s war against their country.
For example, Marjorie Taylor Greene, a far-right United States representative, posted the video on X stating that huge protests had erupted in Kyiv against Zelenskyy because “he’s a dictator and refuses to make peace with Moscow”.
She also urges Ukrainians to throw Zelenskyy out of office and calls on the US to stop supporting Ukraine.
However, each of her claims is categorically false: to begin with, a reverse image search of stills from the video shows us its true nature.
It directs us to numerous legitimate news reports showing that, while the protests are indeed recent and took place in Kyiv, they weren’t against Zelenskyy. Instead, they were actually in opposition to a contentious law that weakened Ukraine’s anti-corruption watchdogs.
Critics argued that it effectively compromised the independence of the country’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), as they would become dependent on the politically appointed prosecutor general.
Zelenskyy argued at the time that the law would protect the agencies from Russian infiltration, after NABU officials were detained on suspicion of links to Russia.
The move sparked protests across the country over concerns that it would increase political influence over what should be independent investigations. People called on Zelenskyy to veto the law.
The bill also drew the eye of Brussels, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling Zelenskyy for an explanation for the piece of legislation. Ukraine’s EU accession bid hinges on a number of different criteria, including strengthening its fight against corruption.
Zelenskyy has since backtracked in response to the protests and following his discussions with von der Leyen. He has submitted a new draft bill to reinstate the anti-corruption agencies’ freedom, stating that it strengthens law and order and guarantees the NABU and SAPO’s independence.
“It is important that we maintain unity,” the president said.
As for Marjorie Taylor Greene’s claim that Zelenskyy is a dictator, this is completely baseless and has been debunked numerous times. Zelenskyy was democratically elected with a significant majority, and Ukraine is now under martial law due to Russia’s invasion, prohibiting elections.
Additionally, Zelenskyy has never rejected peace with Russia. Instead, he has consistently sought peace talks with Moscow. He has pushed back against what he says are unreasonable demands that undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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