Ukraine's President Zelensky signs decree to extend wartime state and general mobilization by 90 days from May 9, 2025.

Ukraine's President Zelensky signs decree to extend wartime state and general mobilization by 90 days from May 9, 2025.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree to extend the country's wartime state and general mobilization by 90 days, effective from May 9, 2025. This move, which was announced on April 18, 2025, is aimed at bolstering the nation's defense capabilities and ensuring national security in the face of ongoing conflict with Russia.

The decree, which has received broad public support, extends the current state of martial law and general mobilization, which were initially implemented following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. This extension is part of a broader strategy to maintain Ukraine's resilience and democratic integrity while navigating the challenges posed by the war.

The extension of martial law and general mobilization will allow the Ukrainian government to continue consolidating its military and administrative capacities, as well as to pursue key reforms aligned with European Union integration. These reforms include judicial independence, anti-corruption measures, and digital governance systems.

However, the extension of martial law has also raised concerns about the potential erosion of democratic norms. The use of presidential decrees to regulate media narratives and dissolve political parties labeled as pro-Russian has sparked debate over the limits of democratic flexibility under emergency conditions. Additionally, the increased use of collaboration laws by the judiciary has raised concerns about due process and the potential for politicized interpretation.

Despite these challenges, Ukraine has made notable advances in its human rights landscape. The country has continued to pursue reforms aimed at safeguarding judicial independence and promoting gender equality, even as it grapples with the humanitarian crisis and forced displacement caused by the war.

As Ukraine's conflict with Russia enters its third year, the extension of martial law and general mobilization underscores the country's commitment to defending its sovereignty and democratic values. The challenge for Ukraine will be to balance the need for emergency governance with the preservation of democratic norms and human rights.

References:

[1] https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2025/04/14/between-resistance-and-restriction-ukraines-human-rights-landscape-in-the-shadow-of-war/