Russia-Ukraine war: Russian attack on Kherson kills four, minister says; Zelenskiy asks parliament to extend martial law – as it happened

Zelenskiy urges Ukrainian parliament to prolong martial law and general mobilisation

Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has presented a request to the Ukrainian parliament seeking an extension of martial law and general mobilisation for an additional 90 days.

According to the Kyiv Independent:

In response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine commencing on February 24, 2022, the president initially declared martial law and general mobilisation. Since then, these measures have been repeatedly extended.

Parliament previously extended martial law and mobilisation from November 2023 to February 14, 2024.

Zelenskiy’s proposal aims to further extend these measures until May 14.

Lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak stated that this would be the parliament’s tenth vote on martial law since the conflict began.

Under martial law, Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 60, with some exceptions, are restricted from leaving the country as they may be called up for military duty.

Volodymyr Zelenskiy speaks at a press conference in Switzerland. Photograph: Reuters