Zelensky Criticizes Political Infighting, Calls for Unity Amid Parliamentary Crisis

President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his concerns on April 2 regarding the ongoing political infighting in the Ukrainian parliament, noting that certain deputies are attempting to erode the 'unity' necessary for the survival of Ukraine. These remarks come amid what some experts are calling a parliamentary crisis, as his own party, 'Servant of the People,' has struggled to gather sufficient votes to support government initiatives.

In recent weeks, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has failed to pass several critical bills that are essential for securing funding from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund, as well as for Ukraine's accession process to the EU. 'I support unity and want the parliament to function effectively,' Zelensky stated during a meeting with journalists. 'However, today, the public stance of some representatives of parliamentary factions is clearly not aimed at unity.'

Zelensky further added that some deputies are 'traveling abroad and communicating in various European institutions in ways that worsen conditions for Ukraine – and this is quite destructive as well.' However, he did not specify which deputies he was referring to.

'I believe that there is no place for political infighting right now,' Zelensky continued. 'I see no sense in it – there are no elections. The war is ongoing. Why waste energy on political battles?' The president also mentioned that on April 1, he met with David Arahamiya, the head of the parliamentary faction of his party, and Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko to discuss important bills 'that are critically important for securing funding.'

'These are bills that could bring us 360 million, 380 million, 400 million, 440 million – each,' he noted. 'I believe that deputies from all parties should recognize the importance of these bills for Ukraine's budget. Some of them need to be passed within the next month. There are also five other very important ones that could bring an additional billion dollars to the state budget.'

The president added that 'if there are questions regarding the tax-related bills, they should be discussed calmly and thoroughly.' Several tax bills that the government has agreed to promote are not popular among the general public. For instance, Ukraine needs to adopt a series of new taxes on digital services, self-employed entrepreneurs, and small packages from abroad to receive the next tranche of the International Monetary Fund program, scheduled for June this year.

Deputies informed the 'Kyiv Independent' that the parliament is reluctant to vote for such laws. Another reason for the ongoing parliamentary crisis is the resignation of former President's Office head Andriy Yermak in November, after which Kyrylo Budanov was appointed to his position in January.

Lawmakers also noted that the influence of the President's Office over the parliament has diminished, and Budanov is not communicating with the Verkhovna Rada. However, Zelensky asserts that Budanov is 'in touch and working with the head of the parliamentary faction (Arahamiya) and meeting with some deputies regarding parliamentary challenges.'

The president also praised Budanov for his work in the negotiating group during peace talks with the United States and Russia. 'I am satisfied with Kyrylo's work in the areas I asked him to focus on,' Zelensky added.