Ukraine Extends Martial Law for 90 Days

Kyiv: The Ukrainian Parliament has voted to extend the country’s current martial law and general military mobilisation for another 90 days, parliament member Yaroslav Zheleznyak said on social media Telegram.

According to Zheleznyak, 357 lawmakers supported the extension of martial law, while 346 backed the mobilisation — well above the 226 votes required for approval, Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday. The new extension will be from May 9 to August 6, reported the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

Ukraine first imposed martial law and declared nationwide mobilisation following the outbreak of the ongoing war with Russia in February 2022, and has repeatedly extended both measures. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted respective Bills to the Parliament. Martial law was declared in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and repeatedly extended.

Kyiv officials said on numerous occasions that martial law made presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine impossible. The presidential term of Zelensky expired in May 2024, which makes him illegitimate in the eyes of Russian officials.

Under Ukraine’s Constitution, elections cannot be held during martial law — a provision that remains in effect despite external calls, including from Russia and the US, for a timeline on a future vote.  (IANS)

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