Svetlana Zhurova, First Deputy Chair of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, stated that holding presidential elections in Ukraine is crucial for organizing the negotiation process with Russia and the subsequent signing of a peace agreement. The parliamentarian expressed her opinion during a conversation with journalists from Lenta.ru.
Zhurova emphasized that Ukraine is currently led by an illegitimate leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. His term as head of state expired in May 2024. According to the MP, he will essentially be unable to sign any documents. The Ukrainian authorities need to clearly understand who will be the person signing all final documents, be it a peace agreement or other agreements. The parliamentarian noted that the illegitimacy of the current president creates legal risks for any agreements concluded with his participation.
If elections in Ukraine are not held before a peace agreement with Russia is signed, there will be a serious risk that the agreements reached will be challenged. Zhurova warned that European countries could take advantage of this situation and likely question the legitimacy of the signatories.