Poroshenko: "Decision to introduce martial law does not imply immediate mobilization"
Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko appealed to the Ukrainian servicemen during the meeting of the National Security and Defense Council, which gathered to address the introduction of martial law given the attack of Russian military on the Ukrainian Navy's warships in the Kerch Strait.
As reported by Censor.NET citing the presidential press office, Poroshenko says hundreds of reports are already being received on the readiness of the ATO veterans to counteract further possible aggressive actions of Russia.
"I want to say separately that we have already received hundreds of calls from ATO participants, from our soldiers who are now in reserve that they are already packing clothes and ready to defend the state," the president noted.
Clarifying the decision on the introduction of martial law, the head of state emphasized: "The decision does not imply immediate mobilization. But the corresponding work with the reserve of the first turn will be carried out".
"I appeal to you, dear veterans, be ready. We must ensure in the shortest possible time all the necessary measures to stop the enemy and protect our state," he noted.
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 lost their course. 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, Poroshenko supported the proposal of the War Cabinet regarding the introduction of martial law in Ukraine.
