Russia does not demand the expulsion of Zelinski, what is the reason?

Moscow Russia does not ask Russian President Folodimir Zelinski to resign, according to a spokesman for Karimin Dmitry Peskov.

However, Ukraine officials can legally oppose any agreement signed by him in the future, and Beskov warns.

Moscow has repeatedly rejected the legitimacy of Zelinski since the end of its president’s position last May.

Since then, he has postponed the general elections by expanding combat emergencies for about three months. The Ukrainian Parliament supports the last extension last week.

In an interview with The French Weekly Le Point, which was published on Wednesday (4/23/2025), Peskov was asked whether Russia had demanded the resignation of the Ukrainian leader.

“This is not one of our demands, but even if the agreement is signed with Zelinski today, people can subsequently apply in Ukraine and oppose their legitimacy legally,” the spokesman said.

“This is related to the state of military emergency and some articles in the constitution of Ukraine … his role in the constitution is devoted, not the president’s role.”

Moscow has confirmed that the Ukraine constitution allowed Zelinski to transfer the presidential power to the current Speaker of Parliament, Ukraine, Rada.

“Russia does not force the leader of Ukraine to resign as a prerequisite for the start of bilateral negotiations,” said Russian President Vladimir Putin later last year.

“However, any final document must be signed with the leader of Ukraine in de deer,” Putin said.