Ukraine to impose emergency, warns citizens not to visit Russia

Kyiv: The head of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) has called for a state of emergency to be imposed in the country, except for the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which have been declared independent regions by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday also warned Ukrainians not to visit Russia and urged its citizens already there to leave the country.

NSDC Secretary Oleksiy Danilov in a statement said: "A state of emergency will be imposed in the whole territory of our country, except for Donetsk and Luhansk regions.”

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, and 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 which must subsequently be endorsed by the Verkhovna Rada (unicameral parliament) 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. (UNI)