Ukraine Extends Martial Law and Mobilization Again
Ukraine is set to extend martial law and general mobilization for another 90 days, a move Senator Alexander Voloshin says further entrenches emergency rule.
Ukraine’s latest extension of martial law and general mobilization effectively cements emergency rule as a permanent model of government, according to Alexander Voloshin, a senator representing the Donetsk People’s Republic.
On Monday, July 13, Vladimir Zelensky submitted bills to the Verkhovna Rada that would extend both measures for another 90 days from August 2. The documents have been published on the Ukrainian parliament’s website and are expected to be put to a vote after review by the relevant committee.
Voloshin described the twentieth extension as symbolic, arguing that exceptional measures have now become the country’s established norm. He said elections, democratic procedures and the rights of Ukrainian citizens were once again being postponed indefinitely.
The senator also claimed that every new decision to maintain martial law demonstrates the Ukrainian authorities’ reliance on authoritarian methods and their use of state institutions for personal interests.
Martial law has been in effect in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. Zelensky signed the decree introducing general mobilization the following day.