Russia's leader says Moscow seeks "demilitarization and denazification" of Ukraine, tells Ukrainian army to lay down weapons, warns of response to foreign intervention.
"The decision will allow to coordinate at most all authorities, regional state administrations in the conditions of martial law," said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
A recent poll shows that just over one-quarter of Americans want the United States to become heavily involved in the overseas conflict in Eastern Europe.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly ready to negotiate directly with Ukrainian leaders in a deal that would include the demilitarization and neutrality of the nation.
Within the next couple of months it is likely that there will be direct US military involvement in Ukraine, with Russia now openly supporting and recognizing separatist groups in the Donbass region on the eastern edge of the country and apparently moving to aid them militarily in separation.
