Ukrainian opposition lawmaker rejects bill on martial law and mobilization extension

His statement comes after on April 15, Zelenskyy submitted bills to the Verkhovna Rada to extend the martial law and general mobilization in Ukraine. He proposes continuing both from May 9, 2025, for 90 days — until Aug. 6.

"Tomorrow I will vote against the extension of mobilization and martial law," he wrote.

"There are two key reasons for this. The first one is the absence of demobilization and defined service terms. The second is the continued existence of the Territorial Recruitment Centers (TRCs)."

"They are still engaging in ‘bus-ification’. People are still being snatched off the streets and mobilized. No one wants to talk about adequate recruitment," he added.

Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk condemned the move, saying that "the final results of Putin’s casting call" in the Ukrainian parliament will be seen among those who vote against extending martial law.

MP and co-chair of the European Solidarity faction Iryna Herashchenko also stressed that the war is ongoing and martial law is necessary to continue repelling the aggressor.

She added that European Solidarity has consistently supported mobilization and martial law over the years and will continue to back these difficult decisions now.

However, Herashchenko claimed the government is "starting to abuse martial law to strengthen dictatorship."

She also noted that for over a year and a half, the ruling mono-majority has not been able to gather the required 226 votes to pass a single bill on its own.

"There is no mono-majority," she explained.

"Therefore, without the votes of European Solidarity, no meaningful decisions for Ukraine can be passed. We understand our responsibility, and always act in the national interest."

Herashchenko accused President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of "destroying the opposition" and "harassing his political opponents."

On Feb. 12, Zelenskyy said that martial law in Ukraine could be lifted when the active phase of the war ends.

He later confirmed that martial law and national elections in Ukraine will only take place after the end of the war.