The Ukrainian Security Council will introduce a state of national emergency. At the same time, the reserve forces are mobilized and civilians are now allowed to carry weapons.
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Several media reported on Wednesday morning that the Ukrainian Security Council has asked the parliament to vote for a proposal for a national state of emergency.
The state of emergency will not apply in the rebel-held areas of Donetsk and Luhansk, which since 2014 have been subject to a peculiar regime.
The request comes after weeks with escalation of voltages at the Ukrainian border. Western intelligence estimates that between 150,000 and 190,000 Russian soldiers have been deployed at Ukraine’s border.
The state of emergency gives the Ukrainian authorities the opportunity to introduce security measures, such as curfews. If approved, it will last for 30 days and can be renewed with 30 new days.
The request for a state of emergency is the latest development in a number of changes Ukrainian authorities announce on Wednesday:
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that he will mobilize the reserve forces. All former soldiers between the ages of 18 and 60 must be able to serve a maximum of one year.
- The Ukrainian parliament has also approved a bill giving the civilian population the right to bear arms and the right to act in self-defense.
BACKGROUND: The Russians must fear attacks from every home and every window
Discourages travel to Russia
Ukraine on Wednesday morning introduced travel advice that warns citizens against traveling to Russia. Ukrainians who are in Russia are advised to leave the country.
The Foreign Ministry advises all Ukrainian citizens to refrain from any trip to the Russian Federation and those in the country are encouraged to leave Russia immediately, the statement said.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry writes on their websites that it may be difficult to provide consular assistance in Russia after the recognition of the breakaway regions of Luhansk and Donetsk.
Understand the conflict: Here are 10 questions you should know the answers to
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the two breakaway states – and at the same time announced that Russia will send troops into the regions.
Several western countries have now introduced sanctions against Russia.
This is what Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre from Brussels said on Wednesday morning:
Ask for help
At the same time, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is asking allies to impose more and stronger sanctions on Russia immediately to stop President Vladimir Putin.
– The first steps were taken yesterday, and we are grateful for that. Now the pressure must increase to stop Putin. His finances and accomplices must be affected. Turn to more. Hit hard. Beat now, writes Kuleba on Twitter.
The Ukrainian parliament on Wednesday voted to impose sanctions on 351 Russians, including elected officials, according to the news agency Reuters.
The persons covered by the sanctions will, among other things, be denied entry to Ukraine and denied access to property, capital and assets.
Read more about the sanctions against Russia here: Several countries respond to Russia’s aggression with sanctions
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labor Party) said in political quarters Wednesday morning that he does not think Putin will be stopped by sanctions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday morning, in a speech to the nation’s patriarchs’ day, that the country’s interests are not subject to negotiation, but nevertheless opened up for diplomatic solutions.
“Russia’s interests and the security of our citizens are an issue we do not negotiate,” the president said.
Russian invasion “very likely”
British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said on Wednesday morning Sky News that a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine is “very likely” – and that an attack on Kyiv is “very likely”:
Minister of Defense Odd Roger Enoksen (Sp) told VG on Wednesday morning that so far no forces from Russia have been confirmed inside Ukraine.
– But there are many indications that it will come in the next few days, he says.
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