Tue Feb 25 14:36:52 UTC 2025: ## Ukrainian Parliament Unanimously Backs Zelenskyy’s Continued Presidency
**Kyiv, Ukraine** – Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, overwhelmingly approved a resolution on Tuesday affirming the legitimacy of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s continued tenure amid the ongoing war with Russia. All 268 parliament members present voted in favor of the resolution, which asserts the constitutionality of delaying presidential elections under martial law. Twelve members were absent.
The vote comes in response to recent claims by US President Donald Trump, who accused Zelenskyy of being a “dictator” for not holding elections and cited a low approval rating, echoing previous Russian propaganda. These claims were refuted by the resolution, which highlights Zelenskyy’s democratic election and the constitutional provision (Article 108) allowing the incumbent president to remain in office until a successor is elected. A recent Kyiv International Institute of Sociology poll showed Zelenskyy’s approval rating at 57%, contradicting Trump’s assertions.
The resolution, a symbolic show of support for Zelenskyy whose regular term ended in May, was initially unsuccessful on Monday, falling short of the required votes. The parliament’s unanimous approval on Tuesday underscores the strong backing Zelenskyy retains within the legislature, which is crucial for ratifying international agreements, including potential peace treaties with Russia and resource deals with the US. The Ukrainian constitution prohibits elections while martial law, imposed after the February 2022 Russian invasion, remains in effect.
First Piper 