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14Oct
What Regulates the Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Regime of Martial Law”
The Law of Ukraine on the Legal Regime of Martial Law is the Law of Ukraine dated May 12, 2015, No. 389-VIII. It defines what martial law is, who and how it is introduced, what additional powers authorities and military command receive, which rights of citizens can be temporarily restricted, and which guarantees continue to operate.
As of October 16, 2026, the current version of the law is the edition dated March 4, 2026. The up-to-date text can be verified directly in the official database of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine: Law of Ukraine “On the Legal Regime of Martial Law”.
Legally, martial law is a special legal regime that may apply throughout Ukraine or only in certain areas in case of armed aggression, threat of attack, or danger to the independence and territorial integrity of the state. Simply put, the state obtains additional lawful tools for defense for a certain period, and some rights may be restricted.
How Martial Law is Introduced in Ukraine
The law does not allow martial law to be introduced by decision of a single body. Article 5 establishes a sequential procedure.
- The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine submits a proposal to the President about the introduction of martial law.
- If the President makes such a decision, he issues the corresponding decree and simultaneously appeals to the Verkhovna Rada with a draft law for its approval.
- The Verkhovna Rada considers the question of approving the President’s decree.
- The approved decree and the corresponding law are officially published and come into force simultaneously.
Thus, search queries such as “law on the introduction of martial law in Ukraine” and “martial law in Ukraine law” actually concern several normative acts. Law No. 389-VIII establishes the general rules, and the specific introduction of the regime is formalized by the President’s decree approved by the Verkhovna Rada.
Which Document Introduced Martial Law in 2022
On February 24, 2022, the President of Ukraine issued Decree No. 64/2022 “On the Introduction of Martial Law in Ukraine.” The Verkhovna Rada approved it with Law No. 2102-IX.
Therefore, the law on martial law in Ukraine should not be confused with Law No. 389-VIII. The first specific act in 2022 launched the regime, while the Law of Ukraine on the Legal Regime of Martial Law defines how this regime operates.
For What Period is Martial Law Introduced
The President’s decree must include the period for which the regime is introduced. After its expiration, martial law is terminated, unless the period has been extended in the prescribed manner.
As of October 16, 2026, the last extension was formalized by the President’s Decree No. 596/2026 dated July 13, 2026, and approved by the Law of Ukraine No. 4928-IX dated July 14, 2026. Martial law was extended from 05:30 on August 2, 2026, for 90 days – until 05:30 on October 31, 2026. The official text of the decree is available on the President of Ukraine’s website: Presidential Decree of Ukraine No. 596/2026.
There is no separate permanent document called “law of Ukraine on the extension of martial law.” Each new extension is formalized by a new Presidential decree and a separate law of the Verkhovna Rada approving it.
What Measures Does the Legal Regime of Martial Law Allow
Article 8 of Law No. 389-VIII contains a list of special measures. An important point: the mere fact of martial law being in effect does not mean automatic application of each of these measures to every individual.
Among the measures provided by the law:
- introduction of a curfew and a special blackout regime;
- establishment of special entry and exit regimes and restriction of freedom of movement;
- document checks and, under conditions provided by law, inspection of belongings, transport means, luggage, and cargo;
- introduction of labor duty and involvement in socially useful works;
- forced alienation of private or communal property for state needs in the prescribed legal manner;
- enhanced protection of critical infrastructure and other important objects;
- restriction or prohibition of certain mass events;
- introduction of other special measures explicitly provided by law;
A specific measure must be applied by an authorized body, within its competence and established procedure. Martial law itself does not grant an official unlimited powers.
Can Citizens’ Rights Be Restricted During Martial Law
Yes, but not arbitrarily. Article 64 of the Constitution of Ukraine allows certain temporary restrictions of rights and freedoms during martial or emergency states with a fixed duration.
At the same time, the Constitution sets rights that cannot be restricted precisely because of the martial law. These include, in particular, the right to life, dignity, freedom and personal inviolability, judicial protection, legal assistance, presumption of innocence, and a number of other guarantees listed in Articles 24, 25, 27-29, 40, 47, 51, 52, and 55-63 of the Constitution. The official text of the Basic Law: Constitution of Ukraine.
The Constitutional Court also emphasizes: even during war, the needs of martial law cannot justify destruction of the very essence of constitutional rights. Restrictions must have a lawful purpose and remain proportional to it.
What Happens to Elections During Martial Law
Article 19 of the Law directly prohibits holding elections for the President of Ukraine, Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Verkhovna Rada of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, and local self-government bodies during martial law. All-Ukrainian and local referendums are also not held.
Similarly, under martial law, changes to the Constitution of Ukraine are not allowed. The Verkhovna Rada continues its work, and if its term expires during martial law, it is extended until the first session of the newly elected parliament after the regime is canceled.
Can Private Property Be Taken Away
The law allows forced alienation of private or communal property for the needs of the state under conditions of martial law, but this does not mean property can simply be seized without formalization.
Article 23 provides a compensation mechanism. If complete advance compensation was not made, the owner has the right to subsequent full compensation of the property’s value in the prescribed legal manner. If after cancellation of martial law the alienated property remains, the former owner may, under conditions defined by law, demand its return through court.
When Does Martial Law End
Article 7 provides two main scenarios. Martial law ends automatically after the expiration of the period for which it was introduced, or it may be canceled earlier by the President.
Early cancellation requires the disappearance of threats of attack or danger to the independence or territorial integrity of Ukraine. The corresponding presidential decree must be published immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Law of Ukraine on the Legal Regime of Martial Law
It is the Law of Ukraine dated May 12, 2015, No. 389-VIII. The version valid at the time of preparing this overview is from March 4, 2026.
In everyday language, you may encounter queries like “law on military law in Ukraine” or “law of Ukraine on military law,” but the correct legal term in Ukrainian legislation is “martial law”.
No. Some rights can only be temporarily restricted on legal grounds. The Constitution contains a separate list of rights and freedoms that cannot be restricted precisely because of martial law.
No. The law directly prohibits holding presidential, parliamentary, and local elections during martial law. Nationwide and local referendums are also not conducted.
Yes. Martial law does not abolish the right to judicial protection. Article 26 of the law establishes that justice is administered exclusively by courts, and the creation of extraordinary or special courts is not allowed.
No. They are different legal mechanisms. Martial law regulates a special regime of the state’s functioning and possible restrictions, while mobilization concerns a set of measures to transition the state, economy, and armed forces to operate during a special period and the staffing of defense forces. Therefore, the law of Ukraine on mobilization and the Law of Ukraine on the Legal Regime of Martial Law regulate different matters.
No. Having a certain measure in the law means the legal possibility of its introduction, not automatic application in all regions and for all citizens. A decision of a competent body and compliance with the established legal procedure are required.
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