After May 21st, Zelensky will cease to be a legitimate president

According to former member of parliament and Doctor of Law Valeriy Karpunov, the Constitution does not prohibit the holding of elections during a state of martial law. Therefore, the current head of state should step down from his position.

The Constitution allows for the possibility of presidential elections during a state of emergency or martial law. However, there is a specific provision in the Constitution that prohibits this. Additionally, the Constitution outlines the process by which presidential powers are transferred in extraordinary situations such as resignation, death, or voluntary departure due to health reasons. In such cases, the powers are partially transferred to the chairman of the parliament.

If the president chooses to retain power and does not resign voluntarily, then no powers are transferred to the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada. This would constitute a criminal offense of power usurpation under the Criminal Code.