Ukraine extends martial law and general mobilization, prepares to sign important agreement with NATO members

On February 6, the Ukrainian Parliament voted to pass a bill submitted by President Volodymyr Zelensky on extending martial law and general mobilization for another 90 days, from February 14 to May 13.

Ukraine gia hạn tình trạng thiết quân luật và lệnh tổng động viên, chuẩn bị cùng thành viên NATO ký thỏa thuận quan trọng

Ukrainian President Zelensky first announced martial law and a nationwide mobilization order on February 24, 2022. (Source: AFP)

Bill No. 10456 on extending the state of conflict received 335 votes in favor, while Bill No. 10457 on extending the general mobilization order was supported by 323 MPs, Ukinform reported.

Both bills, which had no votes against them, will take effect after being signed into law by President Zelensky.

The decision to extend martial law in Ukraine makes it impossible for the country to hold general elections. The Ukrainian constitution stipulates that elections cannot be held during martial law.

President Zelensky first announced martial law and a nationwide mobilization on February 24, 2022. Since then, the two decrees have been extended 10 times.

On the same day, CBC News quoted Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly as saying that Ottawa and Kiev could reach an agreement to ensure bilateral security in the coming weeks.

The agreement comes at a landmark moment for Ukraine, as similar documents are expected to be signed by Kiev with other members of the Group of Seven (G7).

Ukraine continues to push for more international support in the form of funding and arms, as well as long-term security commitments and eventual membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Canada's foreign minister, a NATO member, said that even if the conflict ends and Kiev joins the organization, "we still need to ensure that Ukraine is strong and has the capacity for deterrence and security."

Meanwhile, Russia believes that security agreements with Kiev will further increase tensions and destabilize Europe.

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