MP Honcharenko promises to vote against the extension of martial law and mobilization

Oleksiy Honcharenko, a Member of Parliament from the European Solidarity party, has announced that he will vote against the extension of martial law and military mobilization in Ukraine.

He made the statement on his social media accounts.

“There are two key reasons. First — no demobilization or fixed terms of service have been established. Looks like there won’t be any. They’ve been promising for months — and done absolutely nothing. Right now, our soldiers who are defending the country from occupiers are the least protected by this very state. They’re practically in slavery. Even in prison, there’s a release date — here, there’s none. And our government is fine with that. Second — the TRCs (Territorial Recruitment Centers). They still exist. The ‘bus raids’ are still happening. People are still being snatched off the streets and mobilized. No one wants to talk about proper recruitment. People are being treated like animals. The effectiveness is zero. The number of desertions is sky-high. Yet this continues — and the government is okay with it. I’m not. That’s why I will vote against the extension of martial law and mobilization.”

Later, Honcharenko added that even if Parliament does not vote to extend martial law today, nothing catastrophic would happen.

“We’re covered until May 9. The world won’t end. But this could be a way to pressure the government to finally submit a bill that defines service terms and initiates the much-needed reforms. So don’t panic. Let’s restore Parliament’s subjectivity and start working for the people — not for the President’s Office.”

Previously, European Solidarity leader Petro Poroshenko had also stated that the authorities are using martial law as a tool to build an authoritarian regime in Ukraine.