Challenges Facing Ukraine’s Parliament

Ukraine’s Parliament finds itself in a state of disarray amidst the country being under martial law due to the ongoing war. This situation has made it impossible to hold elections to replace members who have taken on different roles, joined the military, fled the country, or resigned.

With more than 10 percent of its lawmakers absent, the Parliament convenes with a significant number of seats empty, affecting decision-making and functioning. Despite the legal obligation for ministers to attend hearings when summoned, there are instances where they fail to appear without facing any consequences.

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s party, once a dominant force in politics, has now lost its majority status and is fragmented into factions. To pass crucial legislation, the party must now rely on the support of lawmakers who were part of a pro-Russian party that has since been banned.

Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko describes the current state of the Parliament as one that has diminished in influence during the ongoing war, deviating from its previous significant role in Ukrainian democracy.

The dysfunction within Parliament, coupled with the unexpected alliance in voting between the ruling party and former members of the disbanded pro-Russian party, has cast doubts on the government’s credibility. This comes at a critical time as the government is striving to recalibrate its war efforts following a period of Russian advancements.