Ukraine declares martial law after Russia attack
The Ukrainian decision, which has not been taken since the independence of the Soviet Republic in 1991, came after MPs voted in favour of the measure
KIEV: Ukraine declared martial law along the borders with Russia after a sudden escalation of tension with Russia and the detention of three Ukrainian ships on Sunday.
Lawmakers backed President Petro Poroshenko’s request to introduce it in regions mostly bordering Russia for 30 days starting from November 28.
The Ukrainian decision, which has not been taken since the independence of the Soviet Republic in 1991, came after MPs voted in favour of the measure, which would allow the authorities over a month to mobilize their citizens, organize the media and reduce public gatherings. Some MPs expressed fears Poroshenko could suspend a presidential poll on March 31, 2019 - a claim he firmly denied.
Sunday’s naval clash was off the coast of Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014.
Russian coastguard ships opened fire before special forces stormed the Ukrainian vessels.
Between three and six Ukrainians were injured.
Ukraine said it was a Russian “act of aggression”. Moscow said the ships had illegally entered its waters. The naval clash is the first time Russia and Ukraine have come into open conflict in recent years, although Ukrainian forces have been fighting Russian-backed separatists and Russian “volunteers” in the east since 2014.
A number of Western countries condemned Russia’s actions.
In New York, the United Nations Security Council met to discuss the crisis - but failed to agree a Russian-proposed agenda amid sharp disagreements between Moscow and the West.
Monday’s vote in parliament came after an emotional address by President Poroshenko, who promised not to restrict basic freedoms. But he stressed he needed firm power in case of a full-scale Russian invasion.
Ukraine’s national security and defence council had initially recommended a 60-day martial law.
But Poroshenko said he amended the proposal because he did not want martial law to affect the presidential elections.
Still, critics expressed fears that Poroshenko - whose ratings have plummeted in recent months could suspend the elections to stay in power.
Russia said the Ukrainian ships were in its waters illegally because Moscow had temporarily closed an area of water for shipping.
Kiev called Russia’s actions a flagrant violation of international law, because the Black Sea is free for shipping, and Crimea belongs to Ukraine.