Kiev, 25 February 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The Ukrainian parliament passed a resolution reaffirming President Volodymyr Zelensky's legitimacy on Tuesday, following a failed attempt the previous day.

A clear majority of 268 members of parliament voted in favour of the draft this time. A total of 226 votes in favour were needed for the draft to be adopted.

The resolution received only 218 votes on Monday, during a special session of the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, held in the presence of international guests to mark the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.

Some 54 members of parliament present in the meeting room unexpectedly did not take part in Monday's vote, including 38 representatives from Zelensky's Servant of the People party. They did not publicly disclose their reasons.

The resolution states, in the same wording as the previous day: "The Verkhovna Rada once again recalls that the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky was elected in free, transparent, democratic elections. His mandate is not called into question by the Ukrainian people or the Verkhovna Rada."

The document also states that Zelensky would remain in office until a newly elected president can take over, in accordance with the Ukrainian constitution.

Zelensky's regular term in office ended in May, however no elections can be scheduled due to the martial law that has been in place for three years.

Russia has nevertheless questioned Zelensky's legitimacy. The United States is also increasingly pushing for Ukraine to hold elections immediately after a ceasefire, which is currently under discussion.

MIA file photo