National Security and Defense Council suggests imposing state of emergency in Ukraine

The National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) suggests imposing a state of emergency in the territory of Ukraine, except for Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov made a corresponding announcement at a briefing, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"A state of emergency will be imposed in the whole territory of our country, except for Donetsk and Luhansk regions," Danilov said.

According to him, the regional commissions will make appropriate decisions and take measures as the situation requires.

In particular, the NSDC Secretary informed that the protection of public order and critical infrastructure facilities could be strengthened, additional inspections and restriction of traffic, verification of documents of individuals could be introduced.

"These are preventive issues for the country to remain calm, for our economy to work, for our country to work," Danilov explained.

Following the NSDC decision, the President has to issue a decree on the imposition of a state of emergency in certain regions, subsequently endorsed by the Verkhovna Rada within two days.

The state of emergency in Ukraine may be imposed for a period not exceeding 30 days and not exceeding 60 days in certain localities.

If necessary, the state of emergency may be extended by the President but not for more than 30 days.

As reported, on February 21, Russian president Vladimir Putin signed the decrees recognizing two self-proclaimed entities in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. The agreements between these quasi-republics and Russia provide for military assistance. Russia thus openly acknowledged its military presence in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

The leaders of the EU, the United States, Canada and most world democracies condemned the Kremlin's actions as a direct violation of international law and Russian Federation's international commitments.

On February 22, the Federation Council unanimously allowed Putin to use the Russian army abroad.