KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s parliament has handed a decision affirming the legitimacy of Volodymyr Zelenskyy as president and confirming that elections aren’t attainable till after the battle ends.
The decision is a rebuff to U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who’ve each instructed Zelenskyy is illegitimate as a result of he has not held elections throughout the battle with Russia.
The parliament handed the decision on the second try, after an preliminary vote on Monday failed to attain enough assist.
A girl walks outdoors St. Iveron Convent, which was closely broken by artillery and gun fireplace throughout battles for the native airport in the middle of Russia-Ukraine battle, in Donetsk, a Russian managed area of Ukraine, Feb. 25, 2025.
Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters
Zelenskyy stated on Sunday he would step down if it meant peace for his nation, including he would additionally accomplish that if it meant Ukraine could be granted NATO membership.
The parliament famous on Tuesday that Zelenskyy was elected in respectable elections and his mandate isn’t unsure. It additionally stated that no elections will be held till the lifting of martial legislation after the approaching of a “simply and lasting peace.”
Zelenskyy was elected in a landslide in 2019, however his time period expired final Could. Ukraine is below martial legislation which below its structure forbids the holding of elections.
On this handout {photograph} taken and launched by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service on Feb. 24, 2025, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a gathering with European leaders in Kyiv.
Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/AFP through Getty Photos
Most Ukrainians, together with main opposition events, agree that holding credible elections now amidst the battle isn’t attainable as a result of thousands and thousands are overseas as refugees, lots of of 1000’s are combating.
An election may be a possibility for Russia to divide the nation whereas it’s making an attempt to defend itself.
