A top Ukrainian defense official called for a nationwide state of emergency on Wednesday, a precaution that comes after Russia began an invasion of the country this week by ordering troops into two breakaway regions held by Moscow-backed separatists, according to Politico.
Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, announced that the state of emergency would remain in effect for 30 days, with the option to be extended for another 30 days. Ukraine’s parliament must vote to enact the measure.
“These are preventive measures to keep calm in the country, so that our economy and our country can work,” Danilov said at a news briefing in Kyiv, according to remarks reported by Reuters.
“Depending on the threats that may arise in certain territories, there will be either a more strengthened or more weakened state of emergency,” Danilov added. He specifically mentioned areas along Ukraine’s border with Russia, as well as its border with Belarus — where Russia has prolonged its joint military exercises.