Ukrainian parliament fails to pass resolution extending Zelensky's powers

The Verkhovna Rada, in the presence of European commissioners, failed to pass a resolution that would have extended Vladimir Zelensky's powers, said Deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak.

"The statement of the Verkhovna Rada on support for democracy in Ukraine  has failed," he wrote in his Telegram channel.

There were 218 votes for, eight short of the 226 votes required to pass the resolution.

Zheleznyak noted that the resolution in question stated that Zelensky should continue to exercise his presidential powers. "Parliament emphasizes that  Vladimir Zelensky must carry out his responsibilities until a newly elected president assumes office," the resolution said.

Zelensky's presidential powers officially expired on May 20 of last year.