Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed into law a bill that authorizes the deployment of Ukrainian troops in other countries during periods of martial law. This development, announced on Monday, marks a significant shift in Ukraine's military policy amid ongoing tensions in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, the bill's status, listed on the Verkhovna Rada's online portal, showed it was returned with Zelenskyy's signature after being sent back in late February. Initially submitted to parliament in early January, the bill was adopted on February 25, following amendments proposed by Zelenskyy himself.

The legislation includes an explanatory note, which states that the bill enables Ukraine to deploy troops overseas during martial law. This deployment aims to ensure national security and defense, repel and deter armed aggression against Ukraine, protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and exercise the right to self-defense in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Martial law in Ukraine was first declared by President Zelenskyy on February 24, 2022, following the onset of Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine. The martial law status has been extended several times as the conflict continues to affect the region.