Ukraine declares a state of emergency, army calls up 36,000 reservists
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Kiev's Security Council announces a state of emergency in all parts of Ukraine, and the Ukrainian President put the country's more than 200,000 reservists on notice.
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Ukraine declares a state of emergency and calls up army reservists.
Ukraine's Security Council approved on Wednesday plans to declare a state of national emergency in all parts of the country, except in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions.
The measure, which must be formally approved by parliament, requires stepped-up document and vehicle checks, among other measures, the council's secretary Oleksiy Danilov pointed out.
Danilov mentioned that he would deliver a report to Ukraine's parliament later on Wednesday, with lawmakers expected to approve the added security measures this week.
The secretary noted that each of Ukraine's regions would be able to select which particular measures to apply, "depending on how necessary they might be."
"This could involve limiting certain types of transport, increased vehicle checks, or asking people to show this or that document," he added, calling it a "preventive" measure.
What is a state of emergency?
A state of emergency can be temporarily declared in Ukraine and some of its regions in the case of particularly dangerous man-made or natural events, which pose a threat to people's life.
The state may be imposed for a period not exceeding 30 days. If necessary, the president may extend the period to no more than 30 days.
When imposed, the state of emergency restricts the freedom of movement and bans mass demonstrations and strikes. In addition, changing Ukraine's constitution and electoral laws, as well as holding elections is prohibited at all levels.
Ukraine army calls up 36,000 reservists
In the same context, Ukraine mobilized its military reserve and urged its approximately three million citizens living in Russia to leave Russian territory.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has put Kiev's more than 200,000 reservists on notice that they will receive a summons to return to their units.
Moscow also said it would evacuate diplomatic personnel from Ukraine to protect their lives.
The recent measures come following Russian President Vladimir Putin's recognition of the sovereignty of the People's Republic of Donetsk and Lugansk in the Donbass region.
