The Ukrainian parliament, Verkhovna Rada, has officially confirmed the legitimacy of President Volodymyr Zelensky, successfully passing a decision that failed to secure approval just yesterday.
A clear majority of 268 members of parliament voted in favor of the measure today, surpassing the required 226 votes for adoption. This comes after Monday’s vote, held in the presence of international guests to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, fell short with only 218 votes in favor.
Fifty-four lawmakers had abstained from the initial vote, including 38 members of the presidential “Servant of the People” party, without publicly stating their reasons.
The final resolution reaffirmed Zelensky’s democratic election and his continued legitimacy: “The Verkhovna Rada reminds again that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was elected in free, transparent, democratic elections. His mandate is not contested by the Ukrainian people nor by the Verkhovna Rada.”
Furthermore, the document states that Zelensky will remain in power until a newly elected president assumes office, in accordance with the Ukrainian Constitution. However, with martial law in effect for three years, elections remain indefinitely postponed.
While Ukraine’s parliament has now solidified Zelensky’s position, Russia continues to question his legitimacy. Meanwhile, the United States is increasing pressure on Ukraine to hold elections as soon as a ceasefire is reached, a condition that remains under ongoing discussion.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
