Zelensky lost a recent vote in the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, on February 24, 2025, regarding a resolution to support his continued powers, which failed to pass with 218 votes out of 226 required
Key Points
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It seems likely that Zelensky lost a recent vote in the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, on February 24, 2025, regarding a resolution to support his continued powers, which failed to pass with 218 votes out of 226 required.
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The vote was controversial, with some viewing it as a lack of support for his leadership, though it does not legally affect his position under martial law.
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Research suggests this reflects ongoing tensions between Zelensky and the parliament, especially amid the war and postponed elections.
Background
Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, has been in office since 2019, with his term extended due to martial law imposed since Russia’s invasion in 2022, which prohibits elections. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, has been a key player in legislative decisions during this period, often aligning with or opposing presidential initiatives.
Recent Vote
On February 24, 2025, the Verkhovna Rada voted on a resolution to support Zelensky’s continuation of powers until a new president is elected post-war, as required by the constitution. The resolution needed 226 votes to pass but only received 218, failing to pass. This event, occurring just days ago, is likely the vote referred to in the query.
Implications
While the failed vote does not legally remove Zelensky from power, it highlights potential divisions within the parliament, especially with European leaders present, adding an international dimension. This unexpected detail underscores the political challenges Zelensky faces during wartime governance.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Recent Parliamentary Vote Involving Zelensky
This note provides a comprehensive examination of the recent parliamentary activities in Ukraine, focusing on the vote involving President Volodymyr Zelensky on February 24, 2025, and its broader context. The analysis aims to clarify the event, its implications, and the political landscape, drawing from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and depth.
Context of Ukrainian Governance and Martial Law
Ukraine has been under martial law since February 24, 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion, as reported by Next Ukrainian presidential election – Wikipedia. This legal framework, extended for the 14th time until May 9, 2025, prohibits presidential, parliamentary, and local elections, as outlined in Article 19 of Ukraine’s “On the Legal Regime of Martial Law.” Consequently, Zelensky’s term, which officially ended on May 20, 2024, has been extended, and he remains in power until a new president is elected post-war, per Article 108 of the Constitution, as noted in Can Ukraine’s Zelenskyy stay in power without an election? – DW.
The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s unicameral parliament, has continued to function, passing legislation and extending martial law, as seen in a vote on October 29, 2024, extending it until February 7, 2025, with 311 votes in favor Ukraine’s parliament votes in favour of extending martial law and mobilisation in 13th vote | Ukrainska Pravda. This reflects the parliament’s role in wartime governance, often in alignment with presidential decrees.
The February 24, 2025, Vote: Details and Outcome
On February 24, 2025, the Verkhovna Rada held a vote on draft resolution No. 13039, a statement on supporting democracy in Ukraine, which included affirming that Zelensky “must exercise his powers until assuming the post of the newly elected President of Ukraine in accordance with Part One of Article 108 of the Constitution,” as reported by The Verkhovna Rada did not support the resolution on supporting democracy — it was about Zelenskyʼs powers – Babel.ua. The resolution also noted that holding elections during martial law would be a “farce,” similar to Russia’s actions, and emphasized post-war elections.
The vote required 226 votes to pass but received only 218, failing to meet the threshold, as confirmed by multiple sources, including The Rada failed to vote for the extension of Zelensky’s powers – Pravda EN and The Verkhovna Rada failed to vote for Zelensky in the presence of European commissioners: EADaily. This event occurred in the presence of European Union leaders, adding an international spotlight, and was reported as a “slap in the face” by some Ukrainian sources, indicating perceived political significance.
Analysis of the Vote’s Implications
The failure of the resolution does not legally impact Zelensky’s position, as his continuation in power is constitutionally mandated under martial law. However, it reflects potential divisions within the parliament, particularly among opposition parties like Holos and European Solidarity, which have criticized centralized decision-making, as noted in Ukrainian opposition is increasingly critical of the Zelensky administration – Le Monde. The vote’s failure, with 218 in favor, suggests a near-majority support but highlights the challenge of securing the required votes, possibly due to political maneuvering or dissent.
This event is part of a broader context of tensions between Zelensky and the parliament, evidenced by past instances such as the 2021 removal of Speaker Dmytro Razumkov, amid differences over legislation Did Zelenskyy Say There Would Be No Elections in Ukraine Until War Ends? | Snopes.com. The presence of European commissioners during the vote adds an unexpected international dimension, potentially influencing perceptions of Ukraine’s democratic processes amid war.
Historical Context and Political Dynamics
Zelensky’s relationship with the Verkhovna Rada has evolved since his 2019 election, where his Servant of the People party secured a majority, as detailed in 2019 Ukrainian parliamentary election – Wikipedia. However, his popularity has fluctuated, with local election setbacks in 2020 noted in Zelensky, Servant of the People Experience Major Setback in Ukraine Local Elections | Wilson Center, reflecting public and parliamentary challenges.
The current wartime context, with no elections possible, has centralized power, leading to criticisms of reduced parliamentary oversight, as mentioned in The strengths and weaknesses of Volodymyr Zelenskyy – POLITICO. The February 24 vote can be seen as a manifestation of these tensions, especially as Zelensky has not confirmed seeking re-election, stating in January 2025 that his focus is on the war’s outcome Next Ukrainian presidential election – Wikipedia.
Comparative Analysis: Past Votes and Trends
To understand the significance, consider past legislative votes involving Zelensky, such as his vetoes on asset declaration laws in 2023, where the parliament did not override, indicating cooperation or lack of sufficient opposition Presidential veto: what laws did Zelensky fight against? – VoxUkraine. The February 2025 vote, however, is distinct as it directly addressed his powers, failing despite support, suggesting a shift in parliamentary dynamics.
Below is a table summarizing key recent votes involving Zelensky:
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Date
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Vote Description
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Outcome
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Votes For
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Votes Required
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Source
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Oct 29, 2024
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Extend martial law and mobilization
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Passed
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311
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226
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Feb 24, 2025
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Resolution on supporting Zelensky’s continued powers
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Failed
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218
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226
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This table highlights the February 24 vote as an anomaly, failing to pass, unlike the martial law extension, which saw strong support.
Conclusion and Future Implications
The February 24, 2025, vote’s failure indicates a potential challenge to Zelensky’s leadership perception, though not legally binding. It underscores the complexity of wartime governance, with the parliament balancing support and opposition amid international scrutiny. Future votes may reveal further tensions, especially as peace negotiations and post-war elections approach, potentially influencing Zelensky’s political future.
This analysis confirms that Zelensky lost the recent vote, aligning with the query’s focus, and provides a detailed backdrop for understanding its significance.
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