Germany stands firm and backs Zelenskyy's ongoing presidency
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated on Tuesday in Kiev that Germany recognizes President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the legitimate head of state after his five-year term because Ukraine is unable to conduct presidential elections due to the war.
The President's term ended on Monday after five years. According to the provisions of the Ukrainian constitution, the president remains in office until new elections are held. In Ukraine, the public agrees that now is not the right time to organize new elections.
Zelenskyy's term has ended, only formally
Annalena Baerbock, a Green party politician, emphasized that similar provisions are found in the constitutions of many other countries, including Germany. According to these, elections cannot be held during war.
Baerbock stated that Russia is playing a "perfidious game," undermining President Zelenskyy's mandate.
- This is a very low game: that it is those who started the war and made elections impossible, those who are bringing a narrative about the alleged illegitimacy of the president to the world, since he allegedly was not re-elected - Baerbock emphasized. The Green party politician also added, "Together we will continue to successfully accomplish the tasks ahead of us, work together in the defense of Ukraine, and cooperate in all reform processes."
Putin prevented elections in Ukraine
In this way, she expressed her expectations for further German cooperation with President Zelenskyy.
Foreign Minister Baerbock also pointed out that "Ukraine wants to live in a free, non-occupied country". She noted that the Russian dictator, waging a brutal war in violation of international law and occupying part of Ukraine, prevented this.
