State of Emergency

As a result of the escalation of Russian aggression in Donbas, the NSDC asked the Verkhovna Rada to introduce a state of emergency. According to NSDC Secretary Oleksii Danilov, a state of emergency should be introduced on the territory of all Ukrainian oblasts. However, this will not apply to Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, since a special regime has been in force there since 2014.

The members of parliament must vote to introduce the state of emergency.

State of emergency – why it is introduced

According to NSDC Secretary Oleksii Danilov, introducing a state of emergency in the oblasts is necessary to maintain calm in Ukraine and support the functioning of the economy.

The heads of regional state administrations will analyze the situation on the ground and take the measures they consider necessary.

A state of emergency is a legal regime that is temporarily introduced during an unstable situation in the country. The NSDC, the President of Ukraine and the Verkhovna Rada are responsible for introducing it. During crisis events, a state of emergency can help keep the situation under control.

What measures a state of emergency provides for

A number of the following measures may be introduced in the oblasts of Ukraine:

• Strengthened protection of public order and strategic facilities that ensure the normal functioning of settlements;

• Restrictions on vehicle traffic and vehicle inspections;

• Checks of documents of citizens and people living on the territory of Ukraine;

• Possible confiscation of registered weapons from citizens – both firearms and bladed weapons. The same applies to ammunition.

If necessary, a curfew may be introduced – the NSDC does not rule out this option. A curfew means a ban on civilians moving through the streets without special passes during certain hours, most often at night. Servicemen and police are responsible for enforcing the curfew.

Citizens who do not comply with the curfew rules may be detained – law enforcement officers have the right to ask them to show documents and find out the reason for violating the curfew.

How long the state of emergency will last

According to Danilov, the state of emergency in Ukraine is temporary. A state of emergency usually lasts from 30 to 60 days, and it can be extended if necessary. The restrictions it imposes can be tightened or eased depending on the situation.

Although the situation in Donbas is getting worse every day, the Ukrainian military is ready to repel the Russian occupiers. Our soldiers are holding back the militants, and international partners are imposing sanctions on the aggressor. So there is no need to panic; instead, read new information about changes and new measures carefully.