Ukrainian MPs support Zelensky’s rule at second attempt — RT Russia & Former Soviet Union

While the Ukrainian Constitution prohibits parliamentary and presidential elections during wartime and allows for the extension of the sitting parliament’s term, it lacks similar provisions for the presidency. On the contrary, it states that if no valid replacement is available in due time, presidential authority should transfer to the parliament’s speaker. Putin has cited Ukrainian law to explain why Russia questions Zelensky’s claim to power.

This month, Trump publicly described Zelensky as a “dictator without elections,” claiming that the Ukrainian leader’s domestic approval ratings are in single digits. Zelensky has countered the criticism by referencing an opinion poll from a Kiev-based firm, suggesting that a majority of Ukrainians support his leadership.

The EU has expressed solidarity with Zelensky, with foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stating on Monday that “there is no need to hold elections” in Ukraine.