DISINFO: Political opposition in Ukraine does not exist and all media are censored
SUMMARY
There isn't any political opposition against Zelenskyy’s party in Ukraine. All opposition political parties are forbidden, and their leaders are imprisoned.
There is no free media in Ukraine. All critical-thinking journalists are imprisoned, killed, or have escaped abroad.
RESPONSE
Recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation about dictatorship in Ukraine.
The situation in Ukraine is not ideal but it is not a dictatorship either. The situation is influenced by the aggressive war against Ukraine which Russia began on 24 February 2022.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was elected as the head of the state in 2019 during free and competitive elections.
The activities of pro-Russia political parties in Ukraine were forbidden after the beginning of Russia's unjustified invasion of Ukraine. It is noted that “the reasons for approval of such legislation were the popularisation or propaganda of the Russian authorities, its officials, persons, and organisations controlled by the aggressor state“. Deputies belonging to the pro-Russian party (“Opposition platform – for Life”) still work in the Rada‘s other factions.
In the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders Ukraine is in position 106 (among 180 states). The Index noted that the Russian war against Ukraine “threatens the survival of the Ukrainian media” and that “Ukraine stands at the front line of resistance against the expansion of the Kremlin’s propaganda system”.
See similar cases: Ukrainian authorities have set up a dictatorial regime; Ukraine is a Nazi dictatorship.