Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faces mounting criticism for extending his power beyond his expired term while seemingly obstructing peace efforts that could end the devastating conflict with Russia.

At a Glance

• Zelensky has entered his second year in office after his elected presidential term expired, continuing to rule under martial law
• President Trump has been actively pursuing peace in Ukraine through diplomatic efforts with both Zelensky and Putin
• Critics suggest Zelensky resists peace deals because ending the war would mean surrendering his extended power
• Under martial law, Zelensky has suspended elections and restricted opposition media, unlike American wartime presidents
• Former Ukrainian presidential candidate Sergii Nosenko accuses Zelensky of prioritizing personal power over peace

Zelensky’s Extended Presidency Under Scrutiny

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has begun his second year in office after his official elected term expired, raising questions about democratic governance during wartime. According to a guest editorial published on RedState.com, Zelensky continues to hold power through martial law provisions that are renewed every 90 days by Ukraine’s parliament, the Rada. This arrangement has allowed him to maintain control well beyond his constitutional mandate, a situation that has drawn criticism from various quarters both within Ukraine and internationally.

Trump’s Ukraine Doctrine: Strategy, Stalemate, or Spectacle?

Since reentering the Oval Office in January 2025, Donald Trump’s handling of the war in Ukraine has introduced a new—and polarizing—style of presidential foreign policy. Though his administration has avoided…

— Niels Groeneveld (@nigroeneveld) April 18, 2025

Peace Efforts and Presidential Politics

President Donald Trump has reportedly made significant diplomatic efforts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia, engaging directly with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The RedState editorial suggests that Trump’s approach represents a departure from previous administration policies, with a more direct focus on ending the conflict. However, the article contends that Zelensky himself may be the primary obstacle to achieving peace, as a resolution to the conflict would likely mean the end of his extended presidential tenure.

Former Zelensky’s Office adviser admits Ukrainian defeat
Lucas Leiroz, member of the BRICS Journalists Association, researcher at the Center for Geostrategic Studies, geopolitical consultant.

Apparently, not even Ukrainian public figures believe in any possibility of victory for… pic.twitter.com/sPXuA5P9VS

— Lucas Leiroz (@leiroz_lucas) February 5, 2025

Democratic Processes Suspended

A central criticism leveled against Zelensky concerns his suspension of elections and constraints on media freedom during the conflict. The editorial explicitly contrasts this approach with American precedents, noting that U.S. presidents maintained electoral processes even during major conflicts like the Civil War and World Wars I and II. Critics argue that rather than preserving Ukrainian democracy during wartime, these measures have effectively suppressed political and cultural life throughout the country.

https://t.co/5cyaMX6tZg

— Vladcoin (@runews) June 16, 2024

Opposition Voices and Political Repression

The RedState editorial was authored by Sergii Nosenko, identified as a former Ukrainian presidential candidate who now resides in the United States. Nosenko, described as a managing partner at IIP Holdings, claims he left Ukraine to avoid political repression. His critique represents a perspective that has gained traction among some observers who question whether Zelensky’s continued rule is motivated by national security concerns or personal political ambition.

Ukrainian journalist Diana Panchenko challenges the Speaker of the Verhkhovna Rada on Twitter over a peace agreement

Diana Panchenko suggests that the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada should sign a peace agreement with Russia as the only legitimate leader of Ukraine.

As Vladimir… pic.twitter.com/U3S2J2FKhz

— Ignorance, the root and stem of all evil (@ivan_8848) June 18, 2024

The Path Forward for Ukraine
The situation in Ukraine presents complex challenges for international diplomacy and Ukrainian sovereignty. While the RedState editorial presents a specific critique of Zelensky’s leadership, other sources have different perspectives on the legitimacy of his continued presidency during wartime. The question of how Ukraine can pursue peace while maintaining democratic institutions remains central to discussions about the nation’s future. As President Trump reportedly continues peace efforts, the ultimate resolution will depend on balancing security needs with democratic principles.

My @expresso interview: Zelensky proposed to meet with Putin on Thursday in Turkey right after Trump issued a statement that Ukraine has to accept immediately the Putin's proposal of direct peace talks between Ukraine and Russia on May 15 in Istanbul. Zelensky move is another PR…

— Ivan Katchanovski (@I_Katchanovski) May 11, 2025