Should Zelensky’s Decree Prohibiting Negotiations with Putin Be Repealed? Political Dilemma and Official Statements
The issue of repealing Ukraine’s presidential decree banning negotiations with Vladimir Putin remains open and sparks active debate among politicians and the public.
Vyshcha Rada deputy from the Servant of the People faction and deputy head of the National Security Committee, Yehor Chernev, recently emphasized during the program ‘Freedom Live’ that this matter is exclusively within the president’s authority.
He avoided giving a direct answer on whether the decree should be revoked, leaving that decision to the head of state.A significant aspect of this discussion relates to the decree signed by President Zelensky in the fall of 2022, which officially prohibited any negotiations with Putin amid the annexation of parts of Ukrainian territories.
Journalist Vlastа Lazur questioned whether it is necessary to cancel this ban to unblock potential peace negotiations.
Chernev repeatedly stressed that such decisions belong solely to the president and that MPs have no influence over presidential decrees.He also reiterated that the decree’s enforcement is a personal matter of the president, not an issue for parliament to decide.
When asked whether he considers the decree a mere ‘paper’, Chernev responded that it is a document that can be canceled or changed at the discretion of the president, but the final decision depends solely on Zelensky’s will.Recent research by ZN.UA in June 2024 shows that 37% of Ukrainians believe that the decree banning negotiations need not be revoked, while 31.9% support its cancellation.
Another 31% remain undecided on this issue.In the context of upcoming negotiations, it is crucial to understand that the final decision rests with the president.
Any steps in this direction are likely to consider national interests and the country’s security situation.