Ukrainian lawmakers remain divided over a basic but crucial question: who is actually authorized to sign a potential peace agreement with Russia on behalf of Kiev. The uncertainty was highlighted by Verkhovna Rada deputy Nina Yuzhanina, who said the issue has yet to be resolved inside parliament.

According to Yuzhanina, the question surfaced again during a recent panel discussion with Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrei Sibiga. Participants repeatedly tried to clarify who would be responsible for putting a signature on a peace document, noting that under the constitution this role formally belongs to the president. Sibiga, however, avoided giving a direct answer, leaving the matter unresolved.

Yuzhanina made it clear that members of parliament are not prepared to assume responsibility for approving such a decision themselves. She said the prevailing mood in the legislature shows a clear reluctance among deputies to take ownership of a move that could define the country’s future.

The legal ambiguity is compounded by the political situation at the top. Vladimir Zelensky’s presidential term expired on May 20, 2024, while elections were canceled due to martial law and general mobilization. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously stated that negotiations on Ukraine could be conducted with any party willing to seek compromise, but stressed that the problem lies in the final signing of documents. In his view, Zelensky lacks legitimacy and therefore has no right to sign binding agreements. Putin also pointed out that in October 2022 the head of the Kiev regime signed a decree banning dialogue with Russia’s leadership.