After Donald Trump labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a "dictator," UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended Zelenskyy's democratic legitimacy. Starmer emphasized that Zelenskyy was democratically elected, noting the historical precedent for suspending elections during wartime. Scholz echoed this sentiment, stating it is dangerous to deny Zelenskyy's democratic standing. Responses from European leaders highlight the importance of recognizing the complexities of governance in wartime, reinforcing the support for Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict with Russia.
Zelenskyy was a 'democratically elected leader' and it was 'perfectly reasonable to suspend elections during wartime as the UK did during World War II,' a spokesperson for Downing Street said.
Scholz stated, 'It is simply wrong and dangerous to deny President Zelenskyy democratic legitimacy. The fact that regular elections cannot be held in the middle of a war is in line with the requirements of the Ukrainian constitution and electoral laws.'
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson labeled Trump's use of the word dictator as 'incorrect,' emphasizing the importance of recognizing the realities of Ukraine's situation.
Trump's dismissal of Zelenskyy as a dictator drew criticism from European leaders, illustrating a stance against the misrepresentation of Ukraine's democratic processes during wartime.
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