Ukraine to declare martial law just for strengthening defense - Poroshenko
President Petro Poroshenko said this at a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
"Martial law is being introduced solely for the purpose of strengthening Ukraine's defense amid growing aggression and an act of uncovered aggression in accordance with international law by the Russian Federation. Martial law does not mean our refusal to pursue a political and diplomatic settlement of the liberation of Ukrainian territory," Poroshenko assured.
According to him, Ukraine intends to continue to comply with all international obligations, including the Minsk Agreements.
The head of state stressed that martial law does not mean the declaration of war.
"Ukraine does not plan to fight with anyone," he said.
As reported, three Ukrainian vessels remain seized by Russian special forces in the Black Sea after fire was opened on them. Two Ukrainian boats Berdiansk and Nikopol were struck by enemy fire and stopped. The Yanu Kapu tugboat was also forced to stop. At least six Ukrainian servicemen were wounded.
President Petro Poroshenko held a War Cabinet due to extraordinary events in the Azov Sea. Ukraine asked for a meeting of the UN Security Council to be urgently convened.
During an emergency meeting of the National Security and Defense Council, President Petro Poroshenko supported the proposal of the War Cabinet regarding the introduction of martial law in Ukraine.
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