Why Zelensky Continues as Ukraine’s President Beyond His Term?

Despite his term having ended, Volodymyr Zelensky continues to hold his presidential position amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Why is this the case?

The Legitimacy of the Ukrainian President Despite Mandate Extension

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has extended his presidential term beyond its original endpoint. However, his legitimacy remains intact. Democratically elected in 2019, his term was initially set to end in May 2024. The extension was necessitated by the imposition of martial law in Ukraine following the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022.

Martial Law: A Barrier to Election Organization

Martial law, in effect until May 9, 2025, prohibits the organization of presidential or legislative elections in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Constitution states that changing the Constitution to renew the chamber of deputies is impossible under martial law. Thus, terms like “dictator” used by Donald Trump and “illegitimate” by Vladimir Putin to describe Zelensky are inaccurate.

Security and Democratic Stakes

Conducting elections under the current conditions would be highly improbable and risky due to daily Russian bombardments. Additionally, Russia controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory, making elections unfeasible there. This would symbolically signal a Kremlin victory in its war against Ukraine. Moreover, approximately six million Ukrainians have fled the country, significantly affecting any potential election outcomes.

“Only One Person Would Win an Election: Putin”

The possibility of holding elections during wartime is also dismissed by President Zelensky’s political opposition. “Who would win these elections? Porochenko? Zelensky? I doubt it. Only one person would win: Putin,” stated former Ukrainian President Petro Porochenko.