Border openings and the end of mobilization: what changes follow the cancellation of martial law, according to a legal expert.
Ukraine will continue to face threats from Russia even after a potential cancellation of martial law. In this scenario, it is unlikely that general mobilization will be lifted. However, there is a possibility that the scale of conscription into the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) may be reduced. Respected lawyer of Ukraine, Doctor of Law Vladimir Pilipenko discussed this in the "News. Live" broadcast, addressing whether borders might open and what the situation will be regarding mobilization in a conditionally "peaceful" time.
Pilipenko responded to the question of what will happen after a possible cancellation of martial law: whether general mobilization will stop and borders will open. The lawyer reminded that martial law and mobilization were declared by presidential decree and confirmed by the Verkhovna Rada. At some point, they could indeed be revoked. However, firstly, it is unclear how long this decision would remain in effect, as the threat from the Russian Federation will persist. Additionally, secondly, mobilization will continue, but likely in reduced volumes. For instance, partial mobilization may be possible. There may also be a demobilization process, but this would also require replenishing the army with new personnel, the interviewee stated.
"There may be partial demobilization, but then there must be a certain level of mobilization. [Mobilization] will not be at the same scale as during martial law, but it must happen, and this process will likely be ongoing in the coming years," noted Pilipenko.
According to the lawyer, since the threat from the Russian Federation will not disappear after the cancellation of martial law, people will continue to be conscripted. He acknowledged that the mobilization plans will be somewhat smaller than during active combat. Connected to external threats is the issue of border crossing: Ukraine must be prepared for the possibility that neighbors to the east and north may attempt to undermine it, he said.
"It is clear that defense capability is one of the most critical aspects of Ukraine's existence today. This, in turn, raises questions about border crossing. Because these issues are interconnected," stated Pilipenko.
Martial Law and Mobilization — Details
It should be noted that on February 5, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky extended martial law and general mobilization for another 90 days. The issue of martial law arises in the context of presidential and Verkhovna Rada elections. In the United States, there have been periodic demand for elections: this has been mentioned both under President Joe Biden and today, as Donald Trump has come to power. Specifically, this was also referenced by the special representative for Ukraine, Kurt Volker.
On the other hand, another force demanding elections in Ukraine is the Russian Federation. Russian politicians and President Vladimir Putin repeatedly assert that they demand presidential elections, claiming that Zelensky is supposedly "illegitimate."
We remind you that in December 2024, the publication El Mundo reported on a proposal that Zelensky allegedly received: holding elections in exchange for a "golden reference."