Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (CSND) decided on Wednesday to establish a state of emergency throughout the country in the face of Russian aggression, except in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, which are already under political-military administration.
The decision must now be ratified by the Verkhovna Rada or Ukrainian Parliament, CSND secretary Oleksiy Danilov said at a press conference.
“Today I will report it to the Rada,” said Danilov.
He stressed that the implementation of the state of emergency will not greatly affect the lives of Ukrainians, but warned that if necessary, the competent bodies will act in accordance with current legislation.
The state of emergency can be imposed for 30 days in Ukraine, although it can be extended for another 30, Danilov explained.
“In case of need, martial law can be implemented instantly. Now there is no decision on that, but we are prepared for anything,” he added.
Regarding the implementation of the curfew, Danilov indicated that the decisions in this matter will be adopted by the regional authorities depending on the situation.
He explained that in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, parts of which according to Kiev are occupied by Russia, there is a special regime regulated by legislation.
“That is why the state of exception is not implemented there. Unfortunately, it was implemented there a long time ago, in 2014. In the rest of the territory (of the country), I say it again, a state of exception will be applied with more or less rigor depending on the threats that may arise in certain places,” he added.
Ukraine makes the decision to establish the state of emergency after Russia recognized the independence of the pro-Russian separatists in Doentsk and Lugansk and authorized the sending of Russian troops to these areas outside the control of the Ukrainian Army.
In addition, there are still some 150,000 Russian soldiers deployed on the borders with Ukraine, which makes Kiev and the West fear that the Kremlin may not only plan an attack on the whole of Donbas, but possibly also a larger invasion.
“As for an attack on Kiev or any other city, the rejection will be immediate. We are now very aware of the threats from Russia. We clearly understand that our Army is ready to repel” any military action, Danilov said.
The call for reservists in Ukraine began today for adults between the ages of 16 and 60, while the training of territorial defense units and civilians ready to defend their country from the Russian threat continues.
Meanwhile, the Verkhovna Rada today adopted in first reading a bill on the right of civilians to bear firearms.
The project proposes to define the concept of ownership of firearms in civilian hands and determine the conditions and procedure for obtaining licenses. (I)
Source: Eluniverso
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