Ukraine's parliament extends martial law, mobilization with near-unanimous support
Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada voted to extend martial law and general mobilization for another 90 days, until August 6, with 357 lawmakers supporting the decision, according to a live broadcast of the parliamentary session.
Oleksii Honcharenko, a member of the European Solidarity party, was the sole legislator to vote against the extension.
At 11:15 a.m., the Rada also passed a bill to extend mobilization, with 365 lawmakers in favor. Honcharenko again cast the only dissenting vote.
Before the votes, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksandr Lytvynenko, Defense Committee Chair Oleksandr Zavitnevych, and committee member Fedir Venislavskyi urged MPs to support the extensions.
Roman Kostenko, a member of the Golos party, also called for approval, stressing that the issue “should not be turned into a political show” as it concerns the country’s survival.
European Solidarity MP Iryna Herashchenko accused the government of corruption and blamed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for military shortcomings, demanding accountability.
Some opposition members previously claimed the government uses martial law to build an “authoritarian regime,” with certain parliamentarians vowing to oppose the extension.
This marks the 15th extension of martial law since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.
What Martial Law Entails
During martial law, Ukraine may restrict freedom of movement for citizens, foreigners, and stateless persons, as well as vehicle movement.
Authorities can impose labor duties, mandatory public works, or seize private property for defense needs. Institutions of all ownership types may be repurposed for defense efforts.
The government can ban political parties or organizations deemed to work against Ukraine’s independence.
Martial law prevents the dissolution of parliament, the government, courts, commissioners, and certain other bodies. Constitutional amendments and elections are also prohibited.
Authorities and military commanders may inspect documents, personal items, luggage, cargo, vehicles, and private property.
Peaceful assemblies, rallies, marches, demonstrations, and other mass gatherings may be banned, and freedom of movement can be restricted.