Ukraine on Wednesday urged its citizens to leave Russia immediately, citing the menace of a Russian invasion this could complicate the layout of consular services.
“Because of the escalation of Russian aggression against Ukraine, which can lead to a substantial reduction in possible consular assistance in Russia, the Foreign Ministry urges citizens of Ukraine to refrain from traveling to Russia, and for those in this country to leave immediately son territory,” the ministry said.
Meanwhile, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) called on Ukrainian parliament or Verhovna Rada to declare the state of emergency in all Ukrainian territory with the exception of Luhansk and Donetsk, held by the separatists, secretary of NSDC Oleksiy Danilov said on Wednesday.
“The decision has been made in compliance with our legislation,” he said. “The Verkhovna Rada must approve it within 48 hours. Today I will have a report in the board on this issue,” he added.
According to Danilov, gravity of the emergency regime will vary from region for region.
“Depending, depending on problems and threats that may arise in certain areas, a more or less strong emergency will be introduced,” he said.
A state of the emergency is imposed by a separate presidential decree, after which it must be approved by the Verkhovna Rada. If applicable, the state of urgency can be extended by the president, but not for more more than 30 days.
