Thursday briefing: The real reasons that Volodymyr Zelenskyy can’t face a new election yet

<p>In today’s newsletter: Zelenskyy described Trump’s claims as “disinformation” – only for the US president to double down. But his claims have no plausible basis in fact</p><p>Good morning. Donald Trump’s view of Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/mar/26/donald-trump-georgia-republican-primary-rally">“The smartest one gets to the top”</a>. Donald Trump’s view of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who won Ukraine’s presidency in a landslide, enjoys continued popular support, and had to postpone new elections because his country was, as you will remember, invaded: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/19/ukraine-zelenskyy-says-trump-living-in-russian-disinformation-bubble">he’s a dictator</a>.</p><p>Zelenskyy earned that astonishing designation yesterday by rejecting Trump’s claims that he is very unpopular, that Ukraine brought the invasion on itself, and that to be considered a legitimate leader he must hold new elections even under the threat of Russian attack. At a press conference in Kyiv, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/19/kyivs-white-house-wooing-implodes-as-zelenskyy-tells-the-truth-about-trump">Zelenskyy said</a>: “Unfortunately, President Trump, with all due respect for him as the leader of a nation that we respect greatly … is trapped in this disinformation bubble”. And he added: “I would like to have more truth with the Trump team.”</p><p><em><strong>Bills </strong></em>| The companies behind Great Britain’s gas pipes and power lines have pocketed a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/feb/20/energy-network-owners-have-made-39bn-from-higher-bills-says-report">windfall of nearly £4bn from household bills</a> during the energy and cost crisis, according to a report. The analysis, by Citizens Advice, argued that energy network owners were able to make the “excess profits” over the past four years after the industry regulator misjudged their costs.</p><p><em><strong>Brazil </strong></em>| British journalist Charlotte Alice Peet, 32, has <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/19/british-journalist-charlotte-peet-missing-in-brazil-for-more-than-10-days">been missing in Brazil for 11 days</a>, a foreign correspondents’ association in the country has said, urging authorities to step up their search efforts. Peet has worked as a freelance journalist for outlets such as the Independent, Times, Telegraph and Al Jazeera.</p><p><em><strong>Immigration and asylum </strong></em>| Plans to prevent refugees who arrive in the UK on a small boat, lorry or via other “irregular” means from becoming a British citizen <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/feb/19/british-citizenship-rule-change-refugees-legal-challenge">are facing their first legal challenge</a>. The case is being brought by a 21-year-old Afghan refugee who arrived in the UK aged 14, after fleeing the Taliban and being smuggled to Britain in the back of a lorry.</p><p><em><strong>Sellafield</strong></em> | The UK nuclear industry regulator has taken Sellafield, the world’s largest store of plutonium, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/19/sellafield-nuclear-site-taken-out-special-measures-physical-security">out of special measures for its physical security</a> – but said concerns remained over its cybersecurity. In 2023, the Guardian revealed a string of safety concerns at the site – from issues with alarm systems to problems staffing safety roles at its toxic ponds – as well as cybersecurity failings.</p><p><em><strong>Politics </strong></em>| <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/feb/19/boris-johnson-fans-offered-121-handshake-and-photo-op">Boris Johnson is charging £121 for a handshake</a> and a photograph before a live event in Edinburgh. The former Conservative prime minister will appear at the Usher Hall on 2 September for an event titled An Evening with Boris Johnson, which will also allow guests to take part in a question and answer session.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/20/thursday-briefing-the-real-reasons-that-volodymyr-zelenskyy-cant-face-a-new-election-yet">Continue reading...</a>