More than three-and-a-half years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine remains under martial law. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy imposed it at the beginning of the war, giving sweeping powers to the government and military and now the law's been extended again until November.

Kyiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

Ukraine continues to operate under martial law, which has been in place since the Russian invasion began. The law grants the government and military additional powers, including restrictions on movement, bans on certain political parties, and the merging of state TV broadcasters. Men aged 18 to 60 are prohibited from leaving the country and are subject to military recruitment, a policy that has led to reports of forced conscription and human rights concerns.

Despite the limitations, most Ukrainians have adjusted to life under martial law, seeing it as necessary for national defense. Nightly curfews and other restrictions have become routine, even as Russian attacks persist. While some individuals express anxiety and discomfort, the general population has largely accepted the ongoing measures as part of daily life amid the conflict.

Life under martial law: Govt's additional powers extended until November

Alexander wants his identity hidden because he says military recruiters are after him. As an able-bodied man between 18 to 60, under martial law, he is expected to join the military and defend Ukraine against Russian attacks. He says he disagrees with what he describes as the forced recruitment methods and has refused to fight. It's like living in a constant nervous state. You have to hide all the time. I can't go freely around the city. It psychologically overpowers you. You constantly live in a state of discomfort and anxiety. President Zelensky declared martial law in February 2022, two days after Russia's full-scale invasion. It gives state authorities and the military more powers at a time of war and has been extended by Parliament every 90 days ever since. Restrictions include limits on freedom of movement, especially in areas close to front lines. Men between the ages of 18 to 60 deemed fit to fight and without Sikh dependents are banned from leaving the country. Political parties deemed pro-Russia were banned. Some state TV broadcasters were merged into one channel. The delay in holding elections during martial law presented an opportunity to Zelensky's enemies and, in February, his most powerful ally. In trying to force a ceasefire and a mineral deal from Ukraine, US President Donald Trump called Zelensky a dictator. Zelensky's supporters and European allies were horrified and said Trump had moved closer to the Kremlin's narrative. Russia's leader has often refused the offer of face-to-face peace talks with President Zelensky, saying he won't negotiate with an unelected leader. Zelensky's five-year presidential term officially ended in 2024, two years after Russia's full-scale invasion. But elections cannot be held under martial law. Most lawyers recognise there have been numerous incidents of forced recruitment constituting potential human rights abuse, many of which the government says it will investigate. At the beginning of mobilisation, there were a lot of rights cases filed, especially in relation to the excess of powers of the border service, as well as complaints about detention of people breaking the curfew. But there are, in general, less cases now. Despite the restrictions and the nightly curfews that start and end according to where you are in the country, most Ukrainians have by and large accepted martial law. They see it as being a necessity when the defence of their towns and cities continues. Most of the recent Russian drone and missile attacks, which have killed dozens of civilians in recent weeks alone, happen at night during the hours of curfew. These days, especially during the summer, parks are crowded with people enjoying the sunshine and street food. You'd be forgiven for forgetting there was a war and martial law. I have one life during the day and another one at night. I've adapted to it. At night I have a space in the parking lot, I go down there and sleep. No, it didn't affect me, because these restrictions were expected. And if we talk about the everyday life, well, we're just trying to get on with it. Martial law for most Ukrainians has become a way of life. With no sign of the war ending soon, it's something they have adjusted to and learned to accept. Charles Stratford Al Jazeera, Kyiv.

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Life under martial law: Govt's additional powers extended until November

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Ukraine Invasion