In brief

• President Zelensky proposed extending martial law and general mobilization in Ukraine for another 90 days until January 29, 2027.
• The current terms for martial law and mobilization expire on October 31, 2026.
• The proposed extension would be the 21st renewal since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.
• The Rada is expected to vote on the extension on October 26.

Bills Submitted to Parliament

President Volodymyr Zelensky presented two draft laws to the Verkhovna Rada concerning the extension of martial law and general mobilization. The initiatives, numbered 16182 and 16183, are available on the parliament's official website (Воєнний стан і мобілізацію в Україні хочуть подовжити: Зеленський вніс законопроєкти – TSN) (Зеленський пропонує Раді продовжити воєнний стан і мобілізацію до 29 січня – Українська правда). Under the proposal, both legal statuses would remain in effect for 90 days beyond October 31, 2026, concluding on January 29, 2027 (Зеленський запропонував ВР продовжити воєнний стан та загальну мобілізацію – Espreso).

Vote Timeline

Lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak said via Telegram that the Rada is scheduled to vote on the extension on Monday, October 26 (В Україні знову подовжать воєнний стан і мобілізацію: на який термін – TSN). If the vote passes, it would be the 21st extension of martial law and mobilization since the full-scale Russian invasion began in February 2022 (Зеленский внес в Раду законопроекты о продлении военного положения и мобилизации – NV).

Operational Details of Extensions

Martial law was first imposed at 5:30 a.m. on February 24, 2022, for 30 days. Since then, it has been renewed in 90-day intervals. The most recent renewal, in July 2026, set the deadline as October 31, 2026, and was formalized through two presidential decrees: No. 596/2026 on martial law and No. 597/2026 on mobilization.

The established procedure involves the head of state issuing two separate decrees, submitting them to the Rada, and then having deputies vote to ratify them. The new terms take effect once the vote is concluded and the decrees are signed.

Zelensky's Stance on Ending Martial Law

In December 2025, Zelensky said the end of martial law depends on Ukraine securing reliable security guarantees. He argued that a ceasefire alone is not enough, given the continuing threat of renewed Russian aggression.