Ukraine Defies Trump As Zelensky Unanimously Backed

 Ukraine's parliament has defied President Donald Trump's push to hold elections after they unanimously voted to affirm Volodymyr Zelensky's presidency, according to member of parliament Yaroslav Zheleznyak's post on Telegram.

Newsweek reached out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine for comment via email outside of business hours.

Why It Matters

Ukraine's passing of the resolution sends a message to the U.S. and the world about their support for Zelensky, as it directly follows Trump's false claim that his approval rating was "down to 4 percent."

The vote also comes after Zelensky offered to step down in order to achieve peace and secure Kyiv's NATO membership.

The vote may make peace negotiations with Russia and the U.S. more difficult, as Moscow may not be willing to negotiate with Zelensky.

What To Know

The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, passed a resolution entitled "Statement of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Support for Democracy in Ukraine in Conditions of Russian Aggression" on February 25 that affirms Zelensky's presidency and mandates that elections cannot be held during periods of martial law.

The resolution stated that Kyiv would hold elections "after comprehensive, just and sustainable peace is ensured on its territory." It also asserted that "it is Vladimir Putin who is responsible for the fact that it is currently impossible to organize free, transparent and democratic elections in Ukraine."

The parliament also disputed recent statements questioning the legitimacy of Zelensky's presidency by Trump and Putin, and stated that he was "elected in free, transparent, democratic elections," adding, "His mandate is not questioned by the Ukrainian people and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine."

The Verkhovna Rada did not have enough votes to pass the resolution on the first reading, but during the second, it was supported by 268 members, while 12 abstained from voting and none voted against, according to the Kyiv Independent.

The vote followed Trump's urging for the country to hold elections as part of a three-stage process to achieve peace, which was discussed by Russian and U.S. officials during peace talks in Saudi Arabia last week.

When Zelensky responded and said that Trump was living in a "disinformation space" as Ukraine cannot hold elections during periods of martial law, the U.S. president said that he was a "dictator without elections."

Putin reiterated Trump's statements about Ukraine holding elections and said that Zelensky has "no chance" of reelection.

What People Are Saying

In a series of posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, Tymofiy Mylovanov, the president of the Kyiv School of Economics, wrote: "Ukrainian Parliament Confirms Zelensky's Mandate 268 MPs voted in favor—well above the 226 required—reaffirming Zelensky's legitimacy to lead during the war. This shuts down Putin's and Trump's attempts to question his authority. It also makes clear that Zelensky has the mandate to negotiate peace without elections, dismantling one of Putin's key arguments."

Branislav Slantchev, a professor of political science at the University of California San Diego, wrote on X: "The Ukrainian parliament voted 258-0 (12 abstentions) to affirm that Zelensky's mandate is not in doubt and that no elections can be held during the war but only after a "just and lasting peace" is concluded. A big middle finger to Putin and Trump, Ukrainian style."

In response to the vote, Elon Musk, Tesla CEO and special government employee for the Trump administration, wrote on X: "Hold an election."

Anatolij Sharij, a Ukrainian blogger opposed to Zelensky, wrote on X: "A total disgrace—on the second attempt, after intimidation, the Ukrainian Parliament expressed support for the "not-a-dictator" Zelensky. The first vote failed. But they put this "important" question up for a vote again the next day!!! Does Europe even see this mess? Hypocritical b*******."

In his post on Telegram about Ukraine's parliament vote, Zheleznyak wrote that the Verkhovna Rada: "Calls on the international community to join forces to achieve a common victory, stop the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, and establish a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace for Ukraine.

"Only the establishment of a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace for Ukraine will allow for the restoration of normal life in the state, an integral part of which will be the holding of elections in accordance with the constitution and laws of Ukraine, in compliance with all international standards of a democratic state governed by the rule of law."

What Happens Next

The U.S. and Russia are engaged in ongoing discussions to negotiate a potential peace deal to end the war—without Ukraine's involvement. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on February 22 that Trump is very confident a deal could be finalized as soon as this week.