Ukraine, Zelensky’s term ends, but the presidency remains in office

Gianmarco Muroni – Vatican City

Five years have passed since his inauguration in Ukraine’s presidential palace Bankova, but it is not yet time for Zelensky to leave the presidency. The president’s term ended yesterday, Monday, May 20, but there will be no elections in invaded Ukraine, prohibited by martial law and made impossible by the state of war. The country’s Constitution allows automatic extension of office in these cases.

internal conflict

However, there is some controversy. First, a part of the Ukrainian opposition questions the legality of extending the presidential term, arguing that the post should be given to the current Speaker of the House. Furthermore, the state of war forces the Kyiv government to demand continued sacrifices for an executive that, at least formally, no longer depends on the mandate of the popular vote.

moscow opinion

Moscow’s words are linked to the serious situation in Ukraine. Russian President Putin has said that it would now be difficult to negotiate with Zelensky, as any agreement could be declared illegitimate by a potential successor. Russia’s ally, Belarusian President Lukashenko, has a similar opinion, saying that Zelensky, now without legitimacy in office, cannot even sign a potential peace treaty. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also comments on the situation: “The termination of Zelensky’s presidential term does not affect the continuation of the war in Ukraine,” Russian officials say, “the special operation continues.”

drone over kharkiv

Meanwhile, a Russian drone strike on the eastern Ukraine city of Kharkiv injured four people overnight, according to Oleh Sunihubov, governor of the region of the same name. Several private homes and garages caught fire as a result of the attack and emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene.