Photo: Getty Images
Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not threaten to send members of parliament to the front because of the Verkhovna Rada’s performance, the head of the Servant of the People faction, David Arakhamia, said.
According to a comment by faction spokesperson Yulia Paliychuk, Zelenskyy’s words were taken out of context.
“We reviewed the president’s statement in full. He said that a deputy either works or fights, just like every citizen of Ukraine,” the statement said.
Arakhamia explained that it has long been emphasized that during wartime Ukrainians either work, pay taxes and contribute to the country’s defense, or defend the state on the battlefield.
According to him, many MPs understand this principle, and some have even asked about joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, current legislation does not allow them to do so.
The faction leader added that some lawmakers are already attached to certain military units and assist them in specific roles while still attending plenary sessions of the Verkhovna Rada.
“Legally they are not servicemen but members of parliament. Obviously, this is what the president meant — that he is ready to discuss legislative changes with parliament that would allow MPs to serve as soldiers,” the statement said.
What preceded this
On March 15, Zelenskyy said that MPs would either have to work in parliament or he would be ready to discuss legislative changes allowing them to go to the front.
“If you do not serve the state in parliament, then serve the state on the front line. That is my approach,” the president said.
Zelenskyy also recently noted that many MPs want to resign their mandates, but stressed that during wartime “there are challenges and there is the law,” and lawmakers must continue their work despite the difficulties. He also claimed that attempts had been made to undermine the parliamentary majority and influence it to pass certain laws.
