Ukraine’s Parliament Passes New Civil Code, Raising Marriage Age to 16

New Civil Code and Extension of Martial Law

According to Главком: On April 28, Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada approved in its first reading a new Civil Code, extended martial law and general mobilization until August 2026, and announced plans to open arms exports. Specifically, legislative bill No. 15150 for the new Civil Code was backed by 254 lawmakers, with a provision allowing marriage at age 14 removed. Under the updated code, the minimum marriage age is now set at 16.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also outlined directions for interstate cooperation and the development of automatic permits for businesses to export weapons.

“Special agreements on the production and supply of our drones, missiles, shells, and other sought-after types of weapons, military equipment, software, integration with partners’ defense systems, as well as providing our expertise and the technological exchange Ukraine needs. Today I approved the directions for such interstate work and the processing of automatic permits for businesses regarding arms exports,” the president stated.

International Support and Government Decisions

Additionally, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs handed a note of protest to Israel’s Ambassador Michael Brodsky. This action followed the arrival in Israel of agricultural products illegally taken by Russia from Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories.

Also on April 28, the Verkhovna Rada voted to extend martial law and general mobilization in Ukraine by another 90 days. This decision means martial law will be renewed starting at 5:30 AM on May 4, 2026, for a 90-day period, keeping both martial law and mobilization in effect at least until August 2026.

The Czech Republic joined the expanded partial agreement to launch a special tribunal for the crime of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. It became the 23rd state to support this initiative. The agreement will be put to a vote in the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers on May 14-15 in Chișinău, Moldova.

“Those who started the war against our country and continue to wage it must know that justice for the crime of aggression against Ukraine is inevitable,” emphasized Andrii Sybiha.

Furthermore, the president announced personnel changes in state-owned companies. It was noted that special operations forces struck a base of Russian Iskander missiles in occupied Crimea, while Russia prepares new offensive operations.

The extension of martial law and general mobilization underscores the ongoing nature of military hostilities in Ukraine and the need to maintain the country’s defense capabilities. The announced arms exports could represent a significant step in strengthening Ukraine’s defensive potential, especially amid the threat from Russia. The Czech Republic’s participation in the special tribunal agreement also highlights international support for Ukraine in pursuing justice and restoring the rule of law following aggression.

As Ukraine continues to navigate the complexities of its legal and military landscape, the recent extension of martial law and mobilization underscores the ongoing challenges the nation faces. For a deeper understanding of the implications of these decisions, including the specifics of the martial law extension and its impact on the country, you can read more in our detailed coverage of the extension of martial law and mobilization.