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.
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.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed Russian forces to make a military entry into two Ukrainian regions that have declared their independence from Ukraine via rebel forces.
“In a situation where we are facing a humanitarian catastrophe, seeing tens of thousands of refugees, women, children forced to leave their homes, the only way out is to take this decision,” Russian State Duma speaker said on Tuesday.