Ukraine's parliament approves extension of martial law

As the war with Russia continues, an overwhelming majority of 357 deputies in Ukraine's parliament approved extending martial law until August. This allows the country to continue mobilizing troops and suspends the election cycle, Reuters reports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has faced pressure to hold elections from US President Donald Trump, who called him a dictator, criticism that has led Ukrainians to increase support for Zelensky.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly questioned Zelensky's legitimacy after his term ends in 2024. But under Ukrainian law, elections are impossible during martial law.

As peace talks led by the Trump administration raised hopes for a possible ceasefire and eventual elections, some Ukrainian opposition politicians began to criticize Zelensky more openly.

Petro Poroshenko, former president and leader of the largest opposition party, European Solidarity, has said there was no doubt that martial law should be extended, especially after deadly Russian attacks in Sumy and Kryvyi Rih this month.

But he has accused Zelensky of trying to strengthen his powers during martial law.

However, Poroshenko's party has largely supported the extension of martial law, with only one lawmaker from the party voting against it.

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