Ukraine will impose a national state of emergency with special restrictions to keep conditions calm and protect the economy amid fears of a Russian invasion.
The state of emergency will last for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days, Secretary of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov said Wednesday (23/2).
The Ukrainian government is waiting for parliament's approval to declare a national emergency.
A state of emergency gives authorities powers, which could include restrictions on transportation, extra protection for critical infrastructure.
According to Danilov, regional authorities can make a decision on whether to impose a curfew and other measures.
"This is a precautionary measure to keep calm in the country, so that our economy and our country can work," Danilov said, as quoted by Reuters.
"Depending on the threats that may arise in a particular region, there will be a stronger state of emergency. We are talking about border areas, where we have a border with Russia, with Belarus," he said.
Ukraine has implemented a range of measures, including conscription of reservists, as it prepares for a possible military attack from Russia sending troops into eastern Ukraine.
Only, Danilov emphasized, Ukraine has not implemented general mobilization.
Even so, some lawmakers have urged the Ukrainian government to impose martial law, a move that could trigger a response from Russia.
But, Danilov revealed, no such decision has been taken. "If necessary, this policy will be adopted immediately," he said.
Martial law will impose tougher restrictions, which could include bans on gatherings, movements and political parties.
