Ukrainian authorities moved toward declaring a nationwide state of emergency after Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized two breakaway territories, ratcheting up tensions with Kyiv and sparking concerns about a potential broader conflict.
The measure, announced by Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov in Kyiv on Wednesday, would empower communities across the country of 41 million to impose restrictions. The curbs on people’s movement, mass gatherings and media require the approval of Ukraine’s parliament.
The state of emergency would last an initial 30 days, with parliamentary approval coming as early as Wednesday, Danilov said. He called for calm, saying “it won’t have a radical impact on our lives,” while giving local authorities powers to react to threats.
