Ukraine adopts state of exception in all country except Donetsk and Lugansk

The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine decided on Wednesday to establish a state of emergency across the country, in the face of Russian actions, as it will not apply to Donetsk and Lugansk, which are under independent political-military administration.

The decision must be ratified by the Supreme Rada, the Ukrainian parliament, as explained in a press conference by the secretary of the Security Council, Oleksiy Danilov, who guaranteed that he will make the communication to the congressmen later today.

The representative of the agency indicated that the implementation of the state of emergency will not affect the lives of the Ukrainian population, but explained that, in case of need, the competent agencies will act in accordance with current local legislation.

The measure can be imposed for a period of 30 days, with an extension possible for another 30, as Danilov said.

“In case of need, martial law can be adopted instantly. Now, there is no decision on that, but we are prepared for anything”, guaranteed the secretary of the Security Council.

On the possibility of a curfew being enacted, Danilov indicated that decisions can be taken by the authorities of each region, depending on the situation.

The secretary also explained that in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, which are partially occupied by Russia, there is a special regime regulated by legislation.

“Therefore, a state of exception is not imposed there. There, unfortunately, it was adopted a long time ago, in 2014. In the rest of the territory, I say again, a state of exception will be applied with more or less rigor, depending on the threats that may arise,” Danilov said.