The powers of the President of Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky, expire on the night of May 21, after which they cannot be extended. This was announced on February 13 by the deputy of the Verkhovna Rada, Alexander Dubinsky, who is in custody on suspicion of treason.

«The powers <…> expire on the night of May 21, 2024 and cannot be extended, as in the case of the Verkhovna Rada,» reads a message on the Telegram channel run by the parliamentarian’s lawyers.

According to Dubinsky, Zelensky will be able to continue fulfilling his duties only in the event of a period preceding the inauguration of the new president of the country. At the same time, for such an option, elections must be held in Ukraine, which are impossible under martial law.

The parliamentarian stressed that any extension not provided for by law is called the word «usurpation».

The day before, Zelensky signed the laws adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on the extension of martial law and general mobilization for 90 days. Accordingly, both terms have been extended from February 14 to May 13.

Prior to that, on February 2, Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko called the idea of holding elections in Ukraine during wartime poison for the country. According to him, the country should definitely wait for the end of the conflict before conducting them.

Dubinsky was arrested on November 14, 2023 by the decision of the Pechersk Court of Kiev on suspicion of high treason and participation in a criminal organization. According to the judicial authorities, the deputy was part of a certain group whose activities were aimed at «discrediting the image of Ukraine» on the world stage in order to worsen Kiev’s relations with the United States and NATO countries.

Initially, the elections in Ukraine were scheduled for March 31. At the same time, in November 2023, Zelensky said that in the current situation, holding elections would not be in time, but would only lead to disunity in the country.

Martial law in Ukraine has been in effect since February 2022. At the same time, Zelensky signed a decree on general mobilization. Later, the Verkhovna Rada repeatedly extended its validity. Most men between the ages of 18 and 60 are prohibited from leaving the country.