Fact-Check Report: “Zelensky Abuses Peace Talks “

The Russian state media recently published an article titled “Zelensky Abuses Peace Talks to Take Out Rivals”. This report alleges that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is using ongoing peace talks to eliminate political adversaries, particularly former President Petro Poroshenko.

Claim 1: Zelensky Is Using Peace Talks as a Pretext to Eliminate Political Opponents

Analysis:

• The article suggests that sanctions against Petro Poroshenko and other oligarchs were imposed by Zelensky as a means to consolidate power and suppress dissent.
• However, Poroshenko has been under investigation since 2021, with accusations including high treason and financing terrorism related to coal purchases from Russian-backed separatists in Donbass.
• The sanctions against Poroshenko and other figures were implemented by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), a government body responsible for national security, not a unilateral presidential decision.
• The sanctions align with Ukraine’s broader anti-corruption efforts and have also targeted business elites with past ties to Russia, such as oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky, once believed to be close to Zelensky.
• Misinformation Tactic Used: Omission of Context – The report ignores that legal action against Poroshenko predates the peace talks and that other figures, including former Zelensky allies, were sanctioned.

Claim 2: The Charges Against Poroshenko Are Entirely Politically Motivated

Analysis:

• The article asserts that the charges are “merely a pretext” for eliminating political opposition, but it fails to acknowledge the evidence and judicial process involved.
• Poroshenko has faced multiple criminal cases, including allegations of abuse of power and embezzlement, some of which predate Zelensky’s presidency.
• The claim that sanctions imposed by Ukraine contradict its constitution is misleading. Ukraine’s legal framework allows for sanctions under national security provisions.
• Misinformation Tactic Used: Misrepresentation of Legal Processes – The report frames legal actions as dictatorial measures without addressing due process.

Claim 3: Zelensky Personally Ordered the Sanctions Without Due Process

Analysis:

• The sanctions imposed on Poroshenko and others were enacted by the NSDC and approved through official channels.
• The article selectively presents information to suggest that Zelensky acted alone, ignoring that Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) and judiciary were involved in the decisions.
• Misinformation Tactic Used: Single-Person Blame Strategy – The report attributes institutional decisions to Zelensky alone to portray him as authoritarian.

Claim 4: US Influence Determines Who Faces Prosecution in Ukraine

Analysis:

• The article claims that under former U.S. President Joe Biden, Poroshenko was protected from legal consequences, but under Trump, this has changed.
• This assertion lacks any verified evidence and relies on speculation rather than facts.
• There is no public record of direct U.S. intervention in Ukrainian legal matters regarding Poroshenko.
• Misinformation Tactic Used: Conspiracy Framing – The report implies that U.S. interests dictate Ukraine’s legal actions, despite the absence of supporting evidence.

Claim 5: The Sanctions Will Lead to Political Instability in Ukraine

Analysis:

• While the article correctly notes opposition to the sanctions within Ukraine, it exaggerates the impact, suggesting that the move will profoundly destabilize the Ukrainian government.
• However, opposition protests and criticisms are common in democratic societies and do not necessarily indicate impending instability.
• Western allies, including the EU and U.S., have broadly supported Ukraine’s anti-corruption measures, contradicting the claim that international criticism is inevitable.
• Misinformation Tactic Used: Fear Mongering – The report suggests an impending crisis without substantial evidence.

Propaganda Techniques Identified

The Russian TV article employs multiple propaganda techniques:

1. Omission of Critical Context – Ignoring the legal basis of the sanctions to frame them as politically motivated.
2. Selective Framing – Presenting only information that supports a predetermined narrative, excluding facts that contradict it.
3. Conspiracy Framing – Suggesting unverified U.S. interference in Ukraine’s legal affairs.
4. Fear Mongering – Predicting instability and crises without strong evidence.
5. Single-Person Blame – Focusing entirely on Zelensky while ignoring institutional decision-making processes.

The article “Zelensky Abuses Peace Talks to Take Out Rivals” presents a distorted view of Ukraine’s internal politics, selectively using information to portray President Zelensky as an authoritarian leader silencing opposition.

While criticism of any government is valid, this report ignores key legal and geopolitical facts, misrepresents due process, and omits evidence that contradicts its claims. The sanctions against Poroshenko and others are part of Ukraine’s broader strategy against corruption and security threats, not an arbitrary political crackdown.

References

1. Reuters – “Former Ukraine President Poroshenko says sanctions imposed on him” (Link)
2. Kyiv Post – “Poroshenko under investigation for high treason” (Link)
3. Politico EU – “Ukraine sanctions Poroshenko and other top figures” (Link)
4. RAND Corporation – “Russia’s Firehose of Falsehood: Propaganda Model” (Link)