By Gloria Nosa
Zelensky–The effect of War never planned for
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose five-year term officially ends in May 2024, remains in office beyond that constitutional deadline — a situation that has raised questions both within Ukraine and internationally. However, the circumstances behind his extended tenure are rooted in wartime law, constitutional provisions, and the ongoing Russian invasion that has destabilized normal political processes across the country.
What the Ukrainian Constitution Says
Under the Ukrainian Constitution, a presidential term lasts five years, and elections must be held at the end of that period. However, Article 108 of the Constitution also makes it clear that the sitting president remains in office until a successor is officially sworn in. This means that even if an election is delayed or postponed, the current president retains power in a caretaker capacity to ensure continuity of government.
Martial Law and Wartime Realities
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, the country has been under martial law, which prohibits national elections, including presidential, parliamentary, and local contests. Martial law was first declared on February 24, 2022, and has since been extended multiple times, each time with approval from the Ukrainian parliament (Verkhovna Rada).
According to Ukrainian law, holding national elections during martial law is both logistically and legally impossible. Key provisions of martial law restrict civil liberties such as freedom of assembly and movement — critical for conducting a free and fair vote. Additionally, millions of Ukrainian citizens, including displaced persons and refugees living abroad, would find it nearly impossible to participate in an election under current conditions.
Zelensky’s Legal Justification for Staying in Office
Zelensky and his administration argue that remaining in office is not a power grab but a legal and necessary step to maintain national stability in the face of an existential threat. “In war, the priority is survival of the state,” Zelensky has said in public addresses, emphasizing that his continued leadership is constitutionally grounded and endorsed by the legal framework in place during emergencies.
This position has also been supported by Ukrainian legal scholars and many Western allies, who stress that an election amid war could undermine the legitimacy of Ukraine’s institutions and create vulnerabilities that Russia could exploit.
Public and International Reactions
While some voices in Ukraine — particularly among opposition groups — have raised concerns about the lack of a clear post-term electoral process, there is broad understanding of the unique wartime circumstances. Most Ukrainians continue to support Zelensky’s leadership, crediting him with rallying international support and maintaining internal unity during one of the country’s darkest periods.
Internationally, the United States, the European Union, and NATO have not questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy, focusing instead on supporting Ukraine’s military and humanitarian needs. Western governments recognize that forcing an election under current conditions would be unfeasible and potentially destabilizing.
What Happens Next?
The question of Zelensky’s tenure will likely become more pressing as the war continues without a clear end in sight. Some analysts suggest that Ukraine’s parliament may need to establish a formal framework or timeline for transition once martial law is lifted, possibly including provisional elections or a postwar constitutional review.
For now, Zelensky’s leadership remains legally valid and widely supported as Ukraine focuses on defending its sovereignty and survival. The situation serves as a reminder of how wartime can complicate — and sometimes suspend — democratic processes, even in countries fully committed to democratic principles.
From Comedian to Commander-in-Chief: How the Russia-Ukraine War Transformed Zelensky into a Warrior President
When Volodymyr Zelensky was elected president of Ukraine in 2019, many around the world viewed his rise as a political experiment. A former comedian and television star with no prior experience in public office, Zelensky was best known for playing a fictional president on the satirical TV series Servant of the People. His election was seen as a protest vote against Ukraine’s entrenched political elite and a desire for reform — not necessarily a vote for military leadership.
Few could have predicted that this unlikely president would become the face of Ukrainian resistance in a brutal, full-scale war against one of the world’s most powerful militaries.
The Turning Point: February 24, 2022
Zelensky’s transformation began in earnest on February 24, 2022, when Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In the face of this existential threat, Zelensky stood his ground. Rather than flee the capital as some expected, he remained in Kyiv — risking his life alongside his people.
One of the earliest and most defining moments of his leadership came in response to an offer from the United States to evacuate him from Ukraine. Zelensky famously replied, “I need ammunition, not a ride.” The line quickly went viral, capturing the essence of a man who had shed the image of a performer and embraced that of a patriot and fighter.
Commanding Respect on the World Stage
Since the war began, Zelensky has become an international symbol of courage, resilience, and leadership under fire. His wartime speeches — often delivered from bunkers, streets, or military outposts — have inspired not only Ukrainians but audiences around the globe. Fluent in both Ukrainian and Russian, and with a deep understanding of media and messaging, Zelensky has used his communication skills to galvanize support from Western allies, securing billions in military and humanitarian aid.
He has addressed parliaments from Washington to Westminster, delivered messages to the United Nations, and spoken directly to the people of allied nations, often drawing historical parallels and moral appeals. His words have consistently framed Ukraine’s struggle as a frontline defense of democracy itself.
A President in Uniform and in Battle
Zelensky’s physical transformation also mirrors his leadership arc. Gone are the tailored suits and presidential stage lights. In their place: olive drab fatigues, unshaven stubble, and bulletproof vests. He’s frequently seen visiting front-line positions, meeting with soldiers, and surveying the damage in liberated towns.
His personal bravery has inspired many Ukrainians to keep fighting, even in the face of hardship, blackouts, and the loss of loved ones. Under his command, Ukraine has mounted a fierce defense, reclaiming significant territory and defying expectations about its military capabilities.
A Wartime Leader Shaped by Adversity
While Zelensky remains a figure of global admiration, his presidency has not been without difficult decisions. Wartime governance has required curbing some civil liberties under martial law, postponing elections, and focusing all resources on national survival. Yet even amid the constraints of war, Zelensky continues to advocate for Ukraine’s democratic future and European integration.
His leadership style has evolved from lighthearted populism to disciplined resolve. Analysts credit his emotional intelligence, improvisational skills, and deep connection with the public for his ability to rally the nation in its darkest hour.
Legacy in the Making
Whether Ukraine emerges from the war victorious or not, Zelensky’s place in history is already secured. He has redefined global perceptions of leadership, proving that courage and conviction can sometimes come from the most unexpected places.
From a comic who once joked about politics to a wartime president guiding his nation through devastation, Volodymyr Zelensky has undergone one of the most dramatic leadership transformations in modern memory — and the story is still being written.
