Ukraine has been extending martial law and the general mobilization measures that began after the Russian invasion, with authorities signaling an additional period of tightening control for roughly 90 more days. This update emerged after a heated parliamentary debate and was confirmed via publicly accessible channels. A new law proposal aimed at broadening military recruitment is advancing, while a second proposal that would expand recruitment is still under discussion for an upcoming session.
The extension marks the tenth increase since the current phase began. The initiative, proposed by the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, is slated to take effect on February 5 and to be implemented starting February 14. While this extension remains on the legislative radar, it does not automatically resolve broader government reform debates underway in parliament. A central question remains whether the administration can secure the necessary support to implement the new proposal, given that a previous draft was withdrawn in January amid concerns over inconsistencies.
As Ukraine approaches the third year of conflict, Kyiv faces a pivotal moment for its military institutions. Analysts point to the sheer demand for personnel, highlighting that the Defense of Ukraine needs a large, sustained pool of active service members. A lawyer who tracks the issue notes that many soldiers have limited opportunities to rest or return home, which complicates planning for future deployments. In December, President Zelensky himself estimated that Ukraine would need as many as 450,000 to 500,000 new recruits in the coming months [Source: El Periódico de Catalunya, Prensa Ibérica].
Reluctant opposition
Despite the urgency, part of the population remains hesitant about conscription. Some opponents favor more targeted measures, while critics argue that the draft draft rules lack clarity on how to exercise exemptions and how the process should operate in practice. A lawyer involved in monitoring the issue points to ambiguities in recruitment and medical examinations for new entrants. The legislation lists situations that would allow refusal of service, but it does not lay out a clear mechanism for making such refusals effective in real time [Source: legal analysis cited in regional press].
The opposition is not a monolith. MPs from opposition parties have raised questions about the draft from the outset, with some arguing for changes such as adjusting the age threshold and safeguarding personal finances for those who resist mobilization if they meet other conditions. After the government presented a revised version with several amendments, key figures indicated that a final stance was still under consideration, while others signaled plans to present alternative texts. In votes and debates, party lines appear divided, reflecting broader tensions over the reform strategy.
Support among lawmakers is viewed as crucial for approving the draft, and internal divisions within the ruling party are also being watched closely as the process unfolds. The stakes are high because the reforms touch on core questions of national security, civic duty, and the government’s ability to mobilize resources quickly in wartime.
Fighting with Zaluzhni
Complicating the policy debate is a public dispute regarding the balance of authority between the president and the Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief. Some observers say Ukraine must prepare for a long, arduous conflict, while the president argues for winding down hostilities as soon as possible. The disagreement contributed to a notable leadership change, with the president publicly confirming the removal of the Commander-in-Chief after discussing the situation in a recent interview on international television. The move underscores broader questions about strategic leadership, continuity, and the direction of Ukraine’s military strategy.
Across the country, fear of reprisals has led some individuals to voice reluctance about front-line deployment. In social media circles and through informal conversations, there is a call for clearer implementation procedures and better job prospects for those returning from the front, as well as for more robust support for service members and their families. Meanwhile, many citizens continue to support the armed forces, which remain highly respected institutions within the country’s continuing wartime effort.