Ukrainian parliament supports resolution on Zelenskyy's powers during second vote
The Ukrainian parliament has voted to support a resolution affirming that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's mandate will continue until the end of the war, MPs Iryna Herashchenko and Yaroslav Zheleznyak reported. The previous day, the lawmakers had already voted for it, but failed to approve it.
The resolution, titled "Statement of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Supporting Democracy in Ukraine under Russian Aggression," received 268 votes, exceeding the required 226.
The document emphasizes that Russian President Vladimir Putin is responsible for the inability to hold internationally recognized elections in Ukraine.
It also reaffirms the legitimacy of Zelenskyy's presidency, noting that he was elected through “free, transparent, and democratic processes.”
The resolution underscores the unity of the Ukrainian people in demanding that elections be held only after achieving a “comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.”
This vote follows an earlier attempt on February 24 to pass the same resolution, which failed due to insufficient votes.
The vote comes amidst criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently suggested that Ukraine should hold elections due to Zelenskyy's alleged low approval rating.
Zelenskyy responded by accusing Trump of living in a "Russian disinformation space," leading Trump to criticize Zelenskyy further, stating that a "dictator without elections" should step aside fast.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance later echoed Trump's sentiments, warning Zelenskyy against disrespecting the American leader.