The decision of Kyiv to extend the state of war: this is Ukraine’s decision

The spokesperson for the European Commission Anitta Hipper, when asked on Wednesday about the allegations from former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko regarding the alleged abuse of martial law by the authorities in Kyiv, stated that the decision to maintain this state belongs to the Ukrainian government, and its basis is the constitutional system of Ukraine.

“We have clearly defined our position regarding martial law – also in relation to the specific and tragic circumstances we are facing. This also (results) from the constitutional system (of Ukraine) and it is Ukraine that decides on this,” the spokesperson emphasized.

The Ukrainian Parliament voted on Wednesday to extend martial law until August 6 due to Russia’s ongoing full-scale aggression against the country. A decisive majority of deputies in the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) – as many as 357 – supported the extension of martial law, which allows the country’s authorities to continue mobilizing soldiers and suspends the electoral cycle.

Petro Poroshenko, the former Ukrainian president and leader of the largest opposition party, expressed the view that the Ukrainian authorities have begun to abuse martial law. “Martial law is being used not only for the defense of the country but also for building an authoritarian regime. The usurpation of power cannot be the goal today. Unlimited power of the office (of the president) over you, over the parliamentarians – this is humiliating for all of Ukraine,” Poroshenko assessed. (18.04.20205)