Ukraine – President Petro Poroshenko’s war signs on the right-the decree of The Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has warned of an increasing Russian threat to his country and wants to impose martial law for 60 days. In addition, the Parliament votes now. © Photo: picture alliance/Mykhailo Markiv/Pool Presidential Press Service/AP/dpa
The Ukrainian Parliament debated for an hour about the introduction of martial law in the country. Background of the incident from the weekend is: Ukraine, accuses, Russia, on Sunday to have three of its Navy ships in the Kerch Strait – a Strait between the Crimea and Russia and applied shot. Six Ukrainian Marines had been injured, two of them seriously.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko called for an immediate reaction: The Parliament should agree to impose martial law. A corresponding decree he signed in the afternoon. In connection Poroshenko said in a televised address that Russia is a serious go to danger. The suggested recent intelligence reports. To ensure the safety and security of the country, was the introduction of the martial law is necessary. Only then Ukraine could strengthen “immediately to the defense.”
Poroshenko said in the televised speech of a “new stage of Aggression” against his country. Russia has attacked Ukraine war ships, the President said. The incident demonstrated the “arrogant and open participation of regular Russian forces” in the conflict with Ukraine.
The Parliament in Kiev has 48 hours to advise on the introduction of martial law. Among the parliamentarians, however, there is concern because of the duration. At the end of March to be held in Ukraine presidential election. With the imposition of martial law for 60 days, the election could be postponed, because, among other things, the Assembly would not be guaranteed in the election campaign, and output could lock.
Poroshenko is willing to shorten the war: He is seeking only one period of 30 days, he said. On Wednesday, he was to enter into force, the President said.
“justified the risks?”
In the Parliament, Poroshenko’s announcements for discussion and, in part, were also riots: Deputy of the Radical party blocked the rostrum and requested prior to a final decision, further discussions with the head of state. The three Ex-presidents Leonid Kravchuk, Leonid Kuchma and Viktor Yushchenko criticized the proclamation of martial law, would cause no change in the situation. “Are justified by the risks? It helps in the fight against the Aggressor?”, it was called.
The government in Moscow has criticized, meanwhile, that the new incident could be particularly beneficial for Poroshenko in the election campaign. In surveys, this is located in weeks, far behind the Ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. “The Western supporters of Kiev to bring those to reason, the want to beat out of war hysteria and political Profit,” said Russia’s foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The Russian government speech, therefore, of a targeted provocation.
