Ukraine officials declare state of emergency as crisis with Russia escalates

Government officials in Ukraine have declared a state of emergency, amid growing fears of a Russian invasion. Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of rebel regions in the country’s eastern border.

Ukraine is restricting movement within the country and are telling their citizens living in Russia to leave.

Ned Price from the U.S. state department says an invasion could happen anytime, “meaning it could start today, tomorrow, it could start next week, what we haven’t seen is any indication that the Russians will back away.”

Ukrainian lawmakers approved a state of emergency today. This comes after the U.S., Canada, and Nato allies imposed economic sanctions on Russia. The sanctions include banning any financial dealings with Russian politicians and in separatist-controlled Luhansk and Donetsk.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says he has the authority to take military action in the regions. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is calling this an ‘assault on democracy.’

Hundreds of Canadian troops are heading to eastern Europe to assist Nato efforts there and world leaders are working with allies on maintaining a united stance.

Ukraine minister of foreign affairs says, “nobody will be able to sit out this crisis if Putin decides if he can move forward with his aggression, your governments, your people will face the same painful consequences as our government, our people.”