Demobilization and travel permits: When will martial law be lifted in Ukraine, and what new freedoms will citizens gain?

The agreement between Ukraine and Russia on a ceasefire will not imply the cancellation of the martial law. According to MP from the "Servant of the People" party, member of the National Security, Defense and Intelligence Committee, Fedor Venislavsky, this agreement does not mean that the adversary will withdraw its troops from temporarily occupied territories or the means of destruction capable of striking Ukraine.

Cancellation of Martial Law: When Could It Happen

"A ceasefire does not mean the cancellation of martial law. The cancellation of martial law is possible only when the threats outlined in the law on the legal regime of martial law disappear. The mere fact of a temporary cessation does not eliminate the threats that led to the introduction of the legal regime of martial law," said Fedor Venislavsky.

He noted that the timing of a possible cancellation of martial law depends on several factors, specifically the withdrawal of Russian troops, security guarantees, and the outcomes of international negotiations.

"Considering Putin's mental state, I believe we can expect any development of events. Therefore, without guarantees that this will lead to a lasting peace, I do not think martial law can be lifted," the MP stated.

"We can only discuss the cancellation of the legal regime of martial law or its non-extension after these threats have disappeared. And when might they disappear? When we receive guarantees that will prevent any attacks from Russia on Ukrainian territory," Fedor Venislavsky explained.

He emphasized that the mere fact of a ceasefire cannot serve as a basis for lifting martial law. Instead, the issue of ensuring security and preventing a recurrence of what happened on February 24, 2022, must be comprehensively addressed.

"If there is no martial law, then there are no such restrictions. Of course, the Verkhovna Rada can quickly pass some other law and prohibit citizens from using certain things, freely expressing their thoughts, or traveling abroad," said Rostislav Kravets.

When Will Demobilization and Exit for Men Abroad Be Allowed in Ukraine?

Venislavsky pointed out that permission to travel abroad and demobilization will be allowed only after the cancellation of martial law, provided no other legal regime is introduced.

"Freedom of movement and the ability to travel outside the country are directly linked to the continuation or non-extension of the legal regime of martial law," the MP clarified.

According to him, the issue of demobilization will be handled by the President of Ukraine. He will determine the decision on demobilization and submit it for approval to the Verkhovna Rada. The MP mentioned that there are many procedural aspects requiring coordinated actions from the National Security and Defense Council, the President, and the Verkhovna Rada.

"At a minimum, there must be a genuinely signed peace agreement that complies with international law, Ukraine's interests, and the Constitution. Because we, as people's deputies, cannot ratify any peace agreement that contradicts the Constitution of Ukraine. We cannot change the Constitution. There are many unclear aspects here that prevent us from clearly and unequivocally stating when and what will happen," Fedor Venislavsky concluded.

In turn, Kravets noted that there is no law in Ukraine that prohibits citizens from traveling abroad. However, according to him, the actions of the State Border Guard Service are "an abuse of power and position".

The lawyer finds it difficult to predict when the mobilization process will end, as it is conducted during martial law. However, he is convinced that demobilization can be achieved in just one day.

"They discharged everyone from compulsory service within a month. Can't all servicemen who did not sign contracts and do not wish to continue serving be discharged in one day? I believe brothers, husbands, and wives will come themselves and take them away; there is no need to wait for buses," he added.

Recall that on February 10, the speaker of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Andrey Yusov, stated that the martial law, extended until May 9, will not be lifted in three months, despite statements from some MPs. He noted that it is not worth expecting the end of the war in Ukraine just yet, but efforts must be made toward that end.

On February 18, media reported that Western politicians do not want Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire until a peace agreement is in place.