Zelenskyy Denies Reports That He Has Fled the Country
The Claim
The Ukrainian president left the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
News posted on
Emerging story
Following the Russian attack on his country, social media users began spreading claims that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy had fled the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar found the circulating claim false, as Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky denied leaving Kyiv. In a video posted to his social media accounts, Zelenskyy appeared in front of the government building with President Yarmak, Prime Minister Shmygal, Servant of the People David Arahamia, and a presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolak.
"I'm in Kyiv to defend Ukraine," Zelensky said.
Zelenskyy also released a video of a speech he gave in which he stated that the Russian army will attempt to occupy Kyiv on February 26. Zelensky declared in a speech before Russia attacked Ukraine that he would not leave Kyiv. "I'll remain in the capital. My family lives in Ukraine as well. The enemy has identified me as Target No. 1 based on the information we have. Target No. 2 is my family, "Zelensky stated.
This allegation has been circulating since Russia launched a military operation against Ukraine on February 24, resulting in both Russian and Ukrainian casualties and reports that Russian forces were approaching Kyiv.
