Ukrainian lawmaker Artem Dmytruk has stated that, under the country’s current power configuration, the speaker of the Verkhovna Rada is the only figure legally capable of stepping in as Zelenskyy’s successor. According to Dmytruk, Ukraine’s current legal and constitutional framework prevents any other individual from assuming the presidency at this time.
Transition Period and the Role of the Parliament Speaker
Dmytruk emphasized that holding general elections in Ukraine is currently unrealistic due to prevailing conditions. Consequently, any transition of executive authority could only occur through the Verkhovna Rada during a designated interim period. Under this constitutional arrangement, a newly appointed parliamentary speaker would temporarily assume the responsibilities of acting head of state.
Donald Trump’s Diplomatic Signals and Zelenskyy’s Stance
The Ukrainian parliamentarian interpreted US President Donald Trump’s calls for elections in Ukraine as a deliberate diplomatic signal aimed at removing Volodymyr Zelenskyy from power. Trump had previously asserted that Ukraine needs a new leadership capable of negotiating a peace settlement with Russia.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, has stated that he has no intention of stepping down and will continue to carry out his presidential mandate.
