First modification:
In the midst of the advance of Russian troops in the separatist regions of eastern Ukraine, recently recognized by Moscow, the Government of Volodímir Zelenski declared a state of emergency for 30 days on February 23, authorized the recruitment of reservists and ordered measures so that the civilian population can arm itself. Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted that his country’s interests “are not negotiable.”
One of the worst security crises in Europe in decades unfolds. The Russian-Ukrainian tension escalates after, on Tuesday, February 22, the Russian Legislature authorized the sending of troops to the separatist areas in eastern Ukraine.
The move followed President Vladimir Putin’s formal recognition last Monday of the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, backed by the Kremlin since the 2014 Donbass war.
In the midst of this scenario, the Ukrainian Security Council declared a state of emergency in the last few hours.
Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin seems unfazed by the series of sanctions against his country, some of which come into force this Wednesday, February 23.
- 6:58 (BOG) London asks to review the operating license of the Russian network ‘RT’
The British government has asked media regulator Ofcom to review the broadcasting license of Russian news channel ‘RT’.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries expressed concern to the media regulator that ‘RT’ was part of Moscow’s information arsenal and would spread “misleading information” about the crisis in Ukraine, she said in a letter that was leaked to the newspaper. ‘The Times’.
However, the premier stressed that the body must be given space to make its own decision.
“We live in a country that believes in freedom of expression … and I think it’s important that we let Ofcom decide which media organizations to ban, rather than politicians, that’s what Russia does,” Johnson said.
Previously, ‘RT’ has pointed out that British politicians are trying to meddle in the affairs of a regulator that is supposed to be independent.
- 06:29 (BOG) Russia orders to evacuate its diplomatic staff from Ukraine
The Russian government has begun the evacuation of its personnel from all its diplomatic facilities in Ukraine, the state news agency TASS reported, citing a representative of the Russian embassy in Kiev.
The Russian Foreign Ministry had already announced on Tuesday that it would take this measure to protect its citizens.
“In order to protect the life and safety (of diplomats), the Russian leadership decided to evacuate the staff of Russian foreign missions in Ukraine, which will be implemented in the near future,” the Moscow Foreign Ministry said. of a statement.
- 06:03 (BOG) EU sanctions against Moscow come into effect
A first limited round of sanctions approved by the European Union against Russia comes into force from 3:00 p.m. Brussels time on Wednesday, February 23.
These sanctions target, on the one hand, Russian political leaders and, on the other, Moscow’s ability to issue or trade bonds on European markets.
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin does not appear on the sanctioned list, as requested by some diplomats from the 27-nation bloc.
“The sanctions must be applied, they will be firm and painful in the first package, and then there will be other packages (of measures),” said the French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, at a joint press conference in Berlin with her German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock.
- 04:35 (BOG) Ukraine declares state of emergency
With the measure, special restrictions will be applied to maintain calm in the country and protect its economy amid fears of a Russian invasion, said the head of the Security Council, Oleksiy Danilov.
The state of emergency will last for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days, he specified. Parliament must now vote to enact the decision.
Ukraine also arranged during this day measures so that the population can arm itself and called on its citizens residing in Russia to leave that country as soon as possible.
- 2:02 (BOG) Ukraine summons its reservists
The Ukrainian armed forces reported that President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree authorizing the recruitment of reservists between the ages of 18 and 60.
#ukraine 🇺🇦 is calling up reservists into the armed forces and urging its citizens to leave #russia 🇷🇺, bracing itself for a possible invasion.
Ukraine’s parliament also voted to approve a draft law that gives permission to Ukrainians to carry firearms and act in self-defence pic.twitter.com/HpPsPoGft4
— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) February 23, 2022
According to official information, the service will be extended for a maximum period of one year.
However, the president indicated that for now he rules out a general mobilization, after Russia announced the transfer of troops to eastern Ukraine.
With Reuters and AP