Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council is urging parliament to impose a state of emergency in the country after Russian leader Vladimir Putin sent forces over the border.
The council met after Russia began moving troops into the separatist-held regions of Luhansk and Donetsk on Monday, February 21, which has prompted the government to enforce the emergency everywhere except those two areas.
Alexei Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, has explained that announcing a state of emergency would allow the government to bring in controls including restrictions on movement and curfews for members of the public, though the curfews are only likely to be imposed in the case of increased Russian aggression, he said.
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Each of Ukraine's regions will be able to select which measures to apply, 'depending on how necessary they might be', Danilov explained, adding, 'What could it be? This could be added enforcement of public order. This could involve limiting certain types of transport, increased vehicle checks, or asking people to show this or that document.'
In response to the ongoing situation, Ukraine's parliament has voted to approve in the first reading a draft law that would its citizens to carry firearms and act in self-defence.
Per The Guardian, the authors of the law said 'the adoption of this law is fully in the interests of the state and society', and that it was necessary due to 'existing threats and dangers for the citizens of Ukraine'.
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It comes as Ukraine's parliament issued sanctions against 351 Russians, including MPs who were in favour of recognising Luhansk and Donetsk as independent. The sanctions bring into force restrictions that prevent people from entering Ukraine and prevent their access to assets, capital, and property, The Independent reports.
Ukraine has received support the West, which has announced a range of sanctions on Russian interests, and in a tweet the Ukrainian foreign minister said the country was 'grateful' for the steps that had been taken.
Dmytro Kuleba continued, 'Now the pressure needs to step up to stop Putin. Hit his economy and cronies. Hit more. Hit hard. Hit now.'
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Danilov has also confirmed that the country is calling up the first 36,000 military reservists, and urged any Ukrainian citizens currently in Russia to leave immediately, warning that 'escalating Russian aggression' could limit their access to help from the consulate.
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Topics: World News, Russia, Vladimir Putin
Emily Brown