Zelenskyy's Ultimatum to MPs: Serve in Parliament or on the Front Lines

The President's Stance on MPs During Wartime

According to Главком: In a closed-door meeting with journalists, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined his position regarding members of parliament who intend to resign their mandates during the ongoing state of war. He stressed that under martial law, deputies must either continue their work in the legislature or go to serve at the front. Zelenskyy stated that a corresponding law could be adopted to facilitate this. He also acknowledged a third option-changing the legislation to hold elections-but deemed this impossible during the war.

Zelenskyy pointed out that from the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion, there have been deputies who wished to resign. He emphasized:

“There can be various desires and different attitudes towards them, but we are under martial law and must defend our state. Therefore, people's deputies will have to either serve in parliament in accordance with Ukrainian legislation, or I am ready to discuss with parliamentary representatives a law on amendments to mobilization, so that deputies can go to the front.” - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy also criticized the opposition for failing to support key legislative initiatives. He noted:

“Unfortunately, opposition members are not adding their votes for certain important draft laws-whether it is a legislative request from the IMF for financial support, or for unblocking 90 billion, or the draft laws necessary for European integration.” - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The President underscored that even for non-critical legislation, it is always necessary to negotiate with opposition forces. Zelenskyy plans to speak with the head of the parliamentary majority to consolidate efforts and reach a decision. He stated:

• “We live until the end of the war, cooperate, vote, implement appropriate laws, changes, personnel decisions, etc., or we change the law and allow the mobilization of deputies who are not ready to continue working in parliament.”

Thus, the President's position on deputies wishing to resign is clear: during wartime, unity must be preserved, and work must be done for the good of the state.

President Zelenskyy's statement highlights the critical importance of parliamentary stability under martial law for maintaining governance and statehood during the conflict. This debate over potential legislative changes reflects the immense pressure Ukraine's political system faces as it adapts to the demands of a prolonged war. The outcome of these discussions could significantly shape the country's political landscape and the functioning of its democracy in the years to come.