Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a law granting him the authority to send the country’s armed forces to other states during martial law. According to the official website of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, this law was approved on February 25 and enables the deployment of troops abroad to ensure national security and defense.
The law explicitly states that the Ukrainian army can be sent to foreign nations “to ensure national security and defense, repel and deter armed aggression against Ukraine, and safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.” This move comes amid the ongoing war with Russia, where Ukraine continues to seek international military and diplomatic support.
Under the new legislation, the decision to deploy troops abroad during martial law rests with the president, who must also submit a bill to parliament for ratification. The draft law must include detailed information on the mission’s objectives, the total number of military personnel involved, the types and composition of their weapons and equipment, their chain of command, and the expected duration of their deployment.
Zelensky’s signing of this law comes at a time when questions about his legitimacy as president are being raised. According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Zelensky’s presidential term officially ended on May 20, 2024, and his authority to sign legally binding documents is in question. This view is not shared by Ukraine or its Western allies, who continue to recognize his leadership amid the war effort.
Additionally, former U.S. President Donald Trump recently claimed that Zelensky’s approval rating has plummeted to 4%, further fueling discussions about Ukraine’s political stability. Trump suggested that if Ukraine seeks a seat at the negotiating table for a peace settlement, it should first conduct elections to reaffirm its leadership.
The enactment of this law could have significant geopolitical implications. With Ukraine’s military forces already stretched in its defense against Russia, sending troops abroad may present logistical and strategic challenges. Moreover, it remains to be seen how this move will be received by Ukraine’s allies, who have provided military aid but have been cautious about deeper involvement in the conflict.
