Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a conversation with journalists, stated that members of parliament who have expressed a desire to resign should remain in service to the state — either fulfilling their duties in the Verkhovna Rada or joining the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Fulfilling Duties During Martial Law
According to the head of state, since the onset of Russia’s large-scale aggression, some parliamentarians have expressed intentions to leave their positions. However, Zelensky emphasized that during martial law, parliament must ensure stable operations, make important decisions, and support the functioning of state institutions.
“There may be various desires and different attitudes towards them, but we are under martial law and must defend our state. Therefore, members of parliament will have to either serve in parliament according to Ukrainian legislation or I am ready to discuss with parliament representatives a law regarding changes to mobilization so that deputies can go to the front,” Zelensky stated.
The president noted that he is prepared to initiate discussions on legislative changes that would allow members of parliament to serve in the military if they do not wish to continue fulfilling their duties in parliament.
Position on Elections and the Future Work of Parliament
Separately, Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that, in his opinion, organizing elections during wartime is impossible, and therefore, elected representatives must make their choice: either continue working in the Rada until martial law is lifted or join the defense of the country on the front lines.
The head of state remarked that there are currently many deputies who wish to resign, but he urged them to remain in service to the state, despite the difficulties and challenges posed by the war.