An RT article titled “US could use elections to oust Zelensky – Russian intel” reports claims by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) that the United States is considering orchestrating elections in Ukraine to replace President Vladimir Zelensky, whom it allegedly views as “overly entitled.”
The Claim
The RT article claims without any supporting evidence that the U.S. is planning to use upcoming elections to remove Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, portraying Washington as dissatisfied with his leadership and seeking a more compliant replacement.
The Facts
- Source of the Claim:
The allegation originates from Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), a state-controlled entity that has historically spread disinformation to undermine Ukraine and its Western allies. No independent verification of these claims exists. - Ukraine’s Election Context:
Zelensky’s term officially expired in May 2024, but martial law, in place since 2022, has postponed elections until at least February 2025. The delay follows Ukrainian laws restricting elections during wartime. - U.S. Stance on Elections:
While some U.S. and European officials have debated the timing of Ukraine’s elections, there is no evidence that Washington is actively planning to orchestrate Zelensky’s removal through elections. The U.S. continues to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and democratic processes.
Narrative Context
- Framing the U.S. as a Puppet Master:
The article aligns with a broader Russian disinformation strategy portraying Ukraine as a U.S.-controlled state rather than an independent nation. This seeks to delegitimize both Ukraine’s leadership and Western support for it. - Sowing Discord Between Kyiv and Washington:
Suggesting that the U.S. is preparing to remove Zelensky plays into Russian efforts to exacerbate tensions between Ukraine and its Western allies, feeding narratives of betrayal or instability. - Weakening Zelensky’s Authority:
By implying that Ukraine’s president is losing Washington’s backing, the article aims to undermine his credibility domestically and internationally, potentially weakening morale in Ukraine.
This RT article follows a classic Kremlin disinformation playbook, using an unverified claim from Russian intelligence to promote the idea that Ukraine’s government is illegitimate and controlled by the West. The absence of credible evidence and the reliance on a known propaganda source indicate a deliberate effort to destabilize trust in Ukraine’s leadership and Western support for the country.
