Ukraine is already in a state of emergency
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky issued a nationwide martial law alleging Russia to be targeting the military infrastructure of Ukraine. In his brief video address on Facebook, Zelensky asked citizens to stay home and not panic.
In the video address, he informed the nation that Russia had launched a military operation against the state of Ukraine. He further said that Russia had deployed the special military operation in the Donbas region. Airstrikes are being conducted on the military infrastructure and border guards of Ukraine.
In a separate message posted on the president’s website, Zelensky claimed, “This is a completely groundless, cynical invasion.” Referring to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Zelensky said,
“We, the citizens of Ukraine, have been determining our future since 1991… But now, what is being decided is not only our country’s future but also the future of how Europe will live.”
The president has already announced a state of emergency for 30 days. This will grant abnormally strong powers to the government authorities. Restrictions are likely to be issued on transportation and strikes. Extra protection will be given to critical infrastructure.
This state of emergency will be operative in all regions of Ukraine, barring the Donetsk and Luhansk areas, which have been in a state of emergency since 2014.
The imposition of martial law will strengthen restrictions that could include bans on political meetings and meetings in general, political parties, and movements.
On Thursday morning, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine claiming to protect civilians in eastern Ukraine. Putin announced that his decision to issue an army operation responds to threats issued from Ukraine.
He assured that Russia had no intention of occupying the country of Ukraine. He further relegated responsibility for the bloodshed that was going to be caused due to the invasion of the Ukrainian “regime.”
On the other hand, President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued an emotional address to Russia, saying that the people of Ukraine and the government of Ukraine want peace. Giving a challenge to the Russian invasion, Zelensky added, “When you attack us, you will see our faces, not our backs.”
Edited By : Mahi Gupta
Published By : K. Bindhiya Prarthana
