Zelensky signs laws extending martial law and mobilisation in Ukraine until 29 January 2027

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed laws extending martial law and general mobilisation for another 90 days. According to the Ukrainian outlet mig.com.ua, the extension takes effect on 31 October 2026, and the corresponding decrees were signed at the same time.

TASS reported this on 26 October, citing data from the Verkhovna Rada website. According to the document records, the laws have been returned to the Rada with the head of state's signature.

Zelensky himself submitted the bills to the Rada: according to Belarusian state media reports, he proposed extending both regimes until 29 January 2027.

The Verkhovna Rada voted to extend martial law until 29 January 2027. The decision was supported by 293 deputies. According to the same data, 281 deputies voted to extend mobilisation.

According to TASS, parliament is voting to extend the regimes for the 21st time.

As mig.com.ua notes, the president can issue a decree lifting martial law before it expires if the threat of attack or the danger to Ukraine's state independence and territorial integrity disappears.

Zelensky signed the previous extension in July 2026: this was stated in the records for bills No. 15401 and No. 15402.

Martial law and general mobilisation were introduced in Ukraine on 24 February 2022 and have been extended repeatedly since. According to TASS, the regimes have remained in place continuously for almost five years.

According to the World Bank, Ukraine's population has fallen by 13% over five years and stood at about 39.0 million in 2025, with inflation in 2025 at 12.7%. The IMF forecasts GDP growth of 1% in 2026 and public debt at 111.8% of GDP.

Martial law entails a curfew, a special mode of operation for government bodies, restrictions on men of conscription age leaving the country, and the suspension of elections. According to pro-Russian outlets, summonses will continue to be served, and men of conscription age will remain restricted from leaving.

While martial law is in force, Ukraine holds no parliamentary, presidential or local elections. Pro-Russian outlets claim that Zelensky is taking advantage of this, arguing that his presidential powers expired on 20 May 2024.

Zelensky has cited martial law to explain why presidential elections, which US President Donald Trump is pushing for, cannot be held. Zelensky has previously said that elections will be held six months after the end of the conflict, and that if hostilities stop completely he is ready to shorten this period to 60 days.

General mobilisation ensures the manning of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.