It is necessary to conduct a serious and in-depth analysis of the question of Zelensky’s legitimacy, Putin noted. According to him, a preliminary analysis shows that the Constitution of Ukraine provides for the expansion of powers only of the Verkhovna Rada. At the same time, “this is not about expanding the powers of the president.” Therefore, according to the laws of Ukraine, supreme power should be transferred to the speaker of parliament, the president concluded.
Furthermore, the country’s legislation stipulates that elections are not held during martial law. “But this does not mean that the presidential mandate will be extended,” Putin said.
In general, in his opinion, the problem is the contradictions in Ukrainian legislation on the extension of presidential powers. The definitive answer to the question of the legitimacy of power should be given by the political and legal system of the country; “It’s not that difficult,” considers the Russian leader.
According to Ukraine’s Constitution, the presidential powers of Zelensky, elected in 2019 for a five-year term, expired on the night of May 21. He himself does not recognize this fact.
