Counteroffensive needs more time: why Zelensky seeks 90-day martial law extension
This was stated by a President's Envoy to the Constitutional Court, member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, MP Fedir Venislavskyi (Servant of the People), Ukrinform reports.
"Since February 24, we have prolonged the martial law period twice. The enemy has focused on building up fortifications in the temporarily occupied territories. A counteroffensive is a much more difficult task than carrying on with the defense. Therefore, we must understand that we will hardly be able to liberate the entire territory of Ukraine within the next month," Venislavskyi said.
In addition, Ukraine must brief the UN about restrictions concerning constitutional rights and freedoms imposed under martial law. "Every time, our diplomats reach out to the UN to explain what restrictions will be applied. In order not to repeat this procedure, a decision was made to extend martial law for three months. If we manage to liberate Ukraine before time runs out, we will simply abolish martial law,” the MP explained.
On February 24, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Martial law was imposed in Ukraine on the same day. It was to last until March 26. Subsequently, it was extended for another 30 days until April 25. On April 21, 2022, the Verkhovna Rada extended the martial law until May 25.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted to the Verkhovna Rada two draft laws: to extend martial law and continue general mobilization for 90 days, from May 25.
