Ukraine’s parliament has voted to approve a draft law that would allow Ukrainians to carry firearms and use them in self-defense,as Europe braces for another day of escalating tensions with Russia.
The authors of the legislation said its adoption was “fully in the interests of the state and society” due to “existing threats and dangers for the citizens of Ukraine”.
The country is also considering declaring a state of emergency in areas neighbouring Russia.
Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko said the National Security Council was debating the draft decree,which could include the declaration of a state of emergency for all of Ukraine.
“Yes,Ukraine is ordering her[sic] nationals out of Russia. Yes,we are preparing for a state of emergency. At least in some regions of Ukraine,” Vasylenko tweeted from parliament.
“Martial law could be an option,if… whatever it takes to keep Ukraine standing.”
The move comes just hours after Ukrainian MPs voted in favour of imposing sanctions on 351 Russians,including legislators who supported the recognition of two self-proclaimed republics.
As we reported earlier,the sanctions restrict entry to Ukraine as well as access to assets,capital,property,and licenses for businesses.
European Union governments are also expected to approve a raft of sanctions in response to Russia’s decision to recognise Donetsk and Luhansk by 1am AEDT.
The 27 member states are expected to agree on the sanctions by 9pm AEST starting a so-called “written procedure” that will last until 1am AEDT,when the measures will be formally adopted.
With Reuters