Trump Just Called Zelensky a ‘Dictator’ – 3 Key Realities on Ukrainian Elections, Approval Ratings, and Funding
The truth about Trump's Zelenksy claims
Wednesday, President Donald Trump indicated his support for Ukraine is dwindling. In a social media post and recent speeches he called Zelensky a dictator, with 4% approval ratings, while claiming the US has given Ukraine $350 billion.
This article breaks down the three most realities behind the rhetoric on dictatorship, funding and approval ratings.
1. Is Zelensky a dictator?
Zelensky’s five-year term expired in 2024, but that doesn’t mean he’s a dictator.
Ukrainian law bars elections during wartime, as noted by the Wall Street Journal.
Ukraine’s parliament has extended martial law fourteen times in 90-day intervals (source), most recently until May 9, 2025.
However, 2023 poll reported that 81% of Ukrainians did not want elections until the war was over. That means that about 1 in 5 Ukrainians supported having elections. Polling is not available detailing Ukrainian appetite for elections this year.
2. Is Trump right about Zelensky’s 4% approval rating?
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