The Ukrainian parliament approved a resolution on Tuesday, February 25, stating that President Volodymyr Zelensky must remain in office while the war with Russia is ongoing and that new elections can only take place once there is peace. The resolution, supported by 268 out of 280 votes from lawmakers in Kiev, was approved at a delicate time, in which both Trump and Putin have called for early elections in Ukraine.
Parliament's support for Zelensky comes amid Moscow's demand for early elections and its labeling of the Ukrainian president as illegitimate. Presidential elections will be held after ensuring 'comprehensive, fair, and stable peace,' according to the resolution. Zelensky must carry out his duties until the new president assumes office, thus ensuring continuity of power as required by the constitution.
In a related case, Russian Justice sentenced four captured Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk to between 15 and 16 years in prison for terrorism. According to Russian authorities, the convicted entered Russian territory illegally in September 2024, a month after the start of the Ukrainian military operation in Kursk.
During their stay in the village of Snagost, the soldiers intimidated local residents, occupied houses, and hindered the evacuation of civilians from combat areas, according to investigators. Additionally, they were accused of shooting at civilians in Kursk. Russian Justice had already sentenced four other Ukrainian soldiers to long prison terms for their participation in this military incursion.
On the other hand, although Zelensky has expressed his intention to exchange the territory of Kursk for one captured by Russia in hypothetical negotiations, the Kremlin has rejected this option. Despite having recovered more than 60% of the territory controlled by Ukraine since the beginning of the incursion, the majority of Ukrainians oppose holding elections while the Russian invasion continues.
The Kiev parliament has reiterated that the Ukrainian constitution does not allow for elections while martial law is in effect.
