Washington has hit Russia with waves of Ukraine-related sanctions and threatened secondary sanctions on foreign banks aiding transactions with Moscow. (Express File Image)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has cast doubts on the political legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy due to the absence of plans for a presidential election in Ukraine. The issue arises as martial law, imposed following Putin's deployment of tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, means Zelenskiy will not face an election when his term technically ends later this month. This decision has been supported by Zelenskiy and Ukraine's allies, who argue that holding an election during wartime would be impractical.
Putin's comments came during a news conference in China while he was on a state visit. When asked about Zelenskiy's political legitimacy in light of the lack of elections, Putin responded that it was a matter for Ukraine's constitutional court and political system to determine. However, he emphasized that the issue was of importance to Russia, particularly in the context of potential future agreements concerning the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Putin stated that Russia wanted to ensure it was negotiating with the legitimate authorities of Ukraine before signing any agreements related to the war.
Putin's questioning of Zelenskiy's legitimacy is not unprecedented, as tensions between Russia and Ukraine have remained high since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the subsequent conflict in Eastern Ukraine. The two countries have been engaged in a protracted struggle for control and influence, with Russia supporting separatist movements in Eastern Ukraine.
The absence of presidential elections in Ukraine adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between the two countries. Without a clear mandate from the Ukrainian people through a democratic election process, questions about Zelenskiy's legitimacy are likely to persist, both domestically and internationally.
The situation is further complicated by the differing perspectives of Russia and Western countries, particularly the United States. While Russia asserts its right to question Zelenskiy's legitimacy and insists on negotiating with recognized authorities, the U.S. and its allies have condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine and have imposed sanctions in response.
The issue of Zelenskiy's legitimacy is not only a matter of political rhetoric but also has practical implications for diplomatic negotiations and the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. Any agreements reached between Russia and Ukraine regarding the conflict will require the participation and approval of legitimate Ukrainian authorities to be internationally recognized and implemented effectively.
In the meantime, the absence of presidential elections in Ukraine highlights the challenges of conducting democratic processes during times of conflict and instability. The decision to postpone elections reflects the difficult choices facing Ukrainian leaders as they navigate the country's security and sovereignty amid ongoing aggression from Russia.
Overall, Putin's questioning of Zelenskiy's legitimacy underscores the deep-seated geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine and the complex dynamics at play in the region. As both countries continue to grapple with the consequences of their ongoing conflict, the issue of political legitimacy remains a central concern for the future of Ukraine and its relationship with Russia.
