Express our deep concern over the continued international legitimization of Volodymyr Zelensky as President of Ukraine, despite the formal expiration of his constitutional mandate.

According to Article 103 of the Ukrainian Constitution, the term of the President is five years. Mr. Zelensky’s term ended on May 20, 2024. As of today:

• No new presidential elections have been held.
• No elections are scheduled.
• No constitutional mechanism allows for an automatic extension.

Yet international leaders continue to meet with him, endorse his leadership, and amplify his image — as if nothing fundamental has changed.

We are told that war justifies these irregularities. But even in wartime, democracies are expected to defend their constitutions, not suspend them. There is a critical difference between emergency governance and the unchecked consolidation of power. Ukraine has crossed that line.

A government that fears elections will never bring peace.

Extending the presidential term without elections and without clear legal grounds can be considered a de facto usurpation of power.

Martial law in Ukraine has been renewed repeatedly — without any independent review, sunset clauses, or measurable criteria for ending it. According to Article 64 of the same Constitution, even in wartime, certain rights cannot be suspended. 

Yet all of these rights are currently severely restricted or entirely suspended (even without the mandatory legal indication of the period of these restrictions).

An exclusively democratic Ukraine that respects the laws could become the best barrier against any aggression.

Article 8 of Ukraine’s Constitution establishes its supremacy as the highest legal authority. No law or regulation — including those governing martial law — may override constitutional provisions.

Although Articles 19 and 108 of the Law “On the Legal Regime of Martial Law” permit postponement of elections during martial law, they do not suspend the Constitution nor authorize indefinite presidential rule without democratic renewal.

• Article 5 declares that the people are the sole bearer of sovereignty and the only legitimate source of power.
  A legal state cannot derive legitimacy from the suspension of elections alone. 

International recognition cannot replace constitutional legitimacy.

Legitimacy must be internal and democratic — not external and diplomatic.

Under Zelensky’s presidency:

• Blatantly unlawful actions, violence, threats to the life, freedom, and dignity of citizens. Discrimination against language, history, and culture.
• Opposition parties have been banned (including elected parliamentary factions).
• Independent media outlets have been shut down and replaced with a centralized government-controlled broadcast.
• Criminal charges have increasingly been used against dissenters — often based on vague or ideological grounds.
• Religious communities — in clear violation of international norms on religious freedom.

These are not temporary measures. These are systemic actions — deliberate and approved at the highest level.

On February 28, 2022, Ukraine suspended key rights in accordance with Article 15 of the European Convention on Human Rights, including freedom of movement, freedom of expression, the right to privacy, and many others.

Every handshake photo with Mr. Zelensky, every press conference, every warm diplomatic word — serves to legitimize an increasingly undemocratic regime. It sends a dangerous message: that the principles of democracy are optional when politics get complicated.

Articles 108 and 19 of the Law 'On the Legal Regime of Martial Law', cited by Zelensky’s inner circle clinging to power, cannot take precedence over the Constitution of Ukraine — neither in form nor in substance. These provisions have no authority to override or suspend the constitutional order. 

The Constitution is the supreme legal act of the state, possessing the highest legal force. It defines the foundations of the state system, the structure of government, and guarantees the rights and freedoms of citizens. This document could have recently celebrated another anniversary (June 28), if it had not been ignoring and the entire country had not been plunged into a legal grey area.

We are not speaking in defense of Russia, nor minimizing the brutality of the war. We are speaking in defense of something more fragile and more important: the idea that constitutional limits matter — especially in times of crisis.

1. A formal pause on all official invitations, receptions, and public endorsements of Mr. Zelensky by democratic governments, until Ukraine holds new presidential elections in accordance with its Constitution.
2. Conduct a full assessment of its functionality.
3. An independent international review of the legal basis for the indefinite extension of martial law and its consequences for civil liberties.
4. Conditional diplomacy: any future negotiations, aid, or high-level cooperation with Mr. Zelensky’s government must be tied to demonstrable steps toward democratic restoration.

If a president can cancel elections, ban opponents, censor dissent, and still be embraced by the democratic world — then democracy itself faces a crisis.

If you believe democracy must mean more than optics and slogans, sign this petition to tell your leaders: Do not legitimize illegality. Demand accountability before diplomacy.

This is about us.