Martial law from December 1 – is Zelensky ready for the most radical scenario

Against the background of messages Ukrainian intelligence and Western media about threat of invasion Russian army, in Ukraine they started talking about the possibility of introducing martial law in the country. Rumors are actively discussed on TV broadcasts. But at the same time, NSDC Secretary Aleksey Danilov refutes statements about real threats at the border, including those coming from our intelligence. So what’s really going on?

Has the decision been made?

Former people’s deputy, leader of the “Radical Party” Oleg Lyashko on the air of the Nash TV channel said that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky will introduce martial law in the country soon.

“Zelensky plans to introduce martial law in Ukraine for 2 months on December 1”– said Lyashko, adding that the decision has already been made, it is only necessary to sign a decree.

As you know, on the morning of December 1, Volodymyr Zelenskyy will speak in the Verkhovna Rada with annual appeal to fellow citizens and tell about the internal and external situation of Ukraine. According to Lyashko, during his speech, the president will announce a decree on the introduction of martial law.

How martial law is introduced

According to the Constitution, the proposal to impose martial law on the president is submitted by the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC). After the head of state gives the appropriate decree, it must be approved by the Rada within three days.

What is martial law

This is a special legal regime that is introduced on the territory of the country or in some of its regions. The reason for the introduction of martial law is:

• armed aggression of another state;
• threat of attack;
• danger to the state independence of Ukraine and its territorial integrity.

Prohibitions during martial law

Under martial law, it is prohibited:

• change the constitution of Ukraine;
• to hold elections for the President, Rada and local government bodies.
• hold all-Ukrainian and local referendums;
• to carry out strikes, mass meetings and actions.

Martial law restrictions

Under martial law, the following may be introduced:

• special operating modes of enterprises;
• curfew (ban on being on the streets at certain times);
• restriction of freedom of movement of people and transport;
• special regime of entry and exit from the country;
• compulsory alienation of private property;
• use of property of state-owned enterprises for the needs of the state.

Also, during martial law, citizens can check documents and inspect things, cars and housing. Military personnel can be accommodated in the apartments of citizens.

Do we need martial law now

Former Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Igor Romanenko considers the threat of Russian invasion to be quite real.

“A new concentration of Russian troops on the border of our country is a serious danger. Ukraine needs to be ready to declare martial law,” Romanenko said.

In the same time military expert Oleg Zhdanov notes that, despite intelligence reports about the imminent invasion of the Russian army, the Ukrainian armed forces are not preparing for defense.

“Military units are not put on alert, strategic reserves of fuel and food are not created, funding for the Armed Forces of Ukraine is not increasing. The Ukrainian army is not preparing for war,” Zhdanov says.

External threat or internal crisis

According to the expert, Russia is unlikely to attack Ukraine and the leadership of our country understands this.

“Zelensky is afraid of an outbreak of mass protests and may introduce martial law to protect himself from the new Maidan. Many suspect the head of his office, Andrey Ermak in collusion with the Kremlin, according to which Ukraine can make serious concessions on the Donbass issue. Up to the federalization of the country. To prevent the angry people from going out into the streets, martial law is needed, “Zhdanov explains.

Political scientist Vadim Karasev agrees with him.

“There are no foreign policy grounds for martial law. The authorities need to stop the internal crisis and prevent mass protests,” Karasev said to Segodnya.

Control over citizens and the media

As the expert notes, the introduction of martial law will establish control over citizens and the media.

“Under the slogan of protection from invasion, people will be banned from taking to the streets, leaving the country, the borders will be closed and the media will be censored by military means, and media channels may even be seized” for the needs of the army, “says Karasev.

Uncontrollable chaos

Oleg Zhdanov spoke about almost the worst scenario that could go wrong with the introduction of martial law.

“Panic will begin in the country. People will” take out “shops, mass pogroms will begin. According to the rules of martial law, courts martial will be introduced, which can pass sentences on the spot, including execution for looting. The situation may develop into civil confrontation “, – says Zhdanov.

Political scientist Karasev also notes that the introduction of martial law will be a very risky step for the authorities.

“This is more dangerous for the country than even the invasion of Russia. The people will be outraged in the same way as during the adoption of the” dictatorial laws “of 2014. The political class will not accept this either. Power will step on the rake of Yanukovych and Zelensky can repeat his fate,” says Karasev …

Martial law under Poroshenko

Let us remind you that exactly 3 years ago, on November 25, 2018, then the current President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko introduced in the country martial law after shelling and seizure of Ukrainian boats by Russian ships near the Kerch Strait. Poroshenko explained his decree by the threat of a full-scale war with the Russian Federation. However, in the process of considering this issue in the Ukrainian parliament, the presidential decree underwent changes: the term of martial law was reduced to a month and was introduced only in 10 regions of Ukraine.

The fifth president was criticized for making a decision on the eve of the presidential election. But Poroshenko insisted that there was a real reason to take such measures. In any case, the 2019 elections were held without any incidents. Both sides confirmed their democracy in the second round.

What to expect for Ukrainians

Martial law can turn into mass protests, that is, cause a backlash, Vadim Karasev said.

“Ukrainians are already accustomed to years of horror stories like“ Putin will attack ”when Ukrainian politicians use an external threat to divert attention from internal problems in the country. If the authorities take such tough measures, society can respond with an equally harsh reaction. “, – says Karasev.

In the same time political scientist Sergei Bykov I am sure that the Ukrainians should not expect the introduction of martial law in the near future.

“So far, such statements are heard only from politicians who today have nothing to do with either the national security and defense structures or the authorities. At this time, the NSDC has not submitted proposals to the president on the need to introduce martial law,” Bykov summed up.

Earlier, the site “Today” wrote about will they be able to defend Ukraine Western partners from the threat from the Russian Federation.

We also informed that Russia has all the resources to launch air strikes against Ukraine. Will the Armed Forces of Ukraine be able to withstand the combat aircraft of the Russian Federation – read in our article.