Fact Check: Putin Claims Zelenskyy's Powers Have Expired, Questioning His Legitimacy
What We Know
Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly stated that he does not recognize Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a legitimate leader capable of signing international agreements. This claim was made during a meeting with global news agencies, where Putin asserted that Zelenskyy's powers have expired according to Ukraine's Constitution. He emphasized that, in his view, the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government is compromised, stating, "the signature must be that of a legitimate authority" (source). Putin's comments suggest that he believes Zelenskyy lacks the legal authority to engage in peace talks or sign any agreements, which he attributes to the structure of Ukraine's political system as a "presidential-parliamentary republic" (source).
Analysis
Putin's assertion regarding Zelenskyy's legitimacy is rooted in his interpretation of Ukrainian constitutional law. He claims that the constitutional provisions indicate that Zelenskyy's term has expired, which he argues undermines the legitimacy of the entire Ukrainian government (source). However, this interpretation is contested by many legal experts and political analysts who argue that Zelenskyy was elected in 2019 and is serving a term that extends until 2024, barring any legal challenges or constitutional amendments.
The sources reporting on Putin's statements include both Russian state-aligned media and independent news outlets. For example, RIA Novosti, a Kremlin-aligned agency, reported on Putin's comments, while independent sources like Reuters and Ukrainska Pravda provided additional context and analysis. The reliability of these sources varies; Kremlin-aligned media may present a biased view that favors the Russian government's narrative, while independent outlets tend to offer a more balanced perspective.
Moreover, the claim that Zelenskyy's powers have expired is not widely accepted in the international community, which continues to recognize him as the legitimate president of Ukraine. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing political tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the broader geopolitical implications of such statements.
Conclusion
The claim that "Putin claims Zelenskyy's powers have expired, questioning his legitimacy" is True. Putin has indeed made statements asserting that Zelenskyy lacks the legal authority to sign international agreements, based on his interpretation of Ukrainian constitutional law. However, this claim is controversial and not widely accepted outside of Russian political discourse.
