Dear compatriots!

Yesterday the second wave of Russia’s special operation against Ukraine began; the aim of the operation is to destabilize situation in the country, overthrow Ukrainian government, disrupt the elections and tear apart the country.

 Separatist groups, which are coordinated by Russian special services, have seized the building of Kharkiv city state administration, building of region state administration, building of the Security Service of Ukraine in Donetsk, and building of the Security Service of Ukraine in Luhansk. Moreover, what is particularly dangerous is that they took up weapons.

This all is happening at a time when Russian forces are staying at our border.

Enemies of Ukraine are trying to play out the Crimean scenario, but we will not let this happen.

The Anti-crisis Headquarters was formed last night. Anti-terrorist actions will be conducted against those who took up weapons.

Protection of the Eastern border of our country has been enhanced.  

Taking into consideration passive behavior of some structures of local law-enforcement bodies, they will be replenished with units from other regions.

To coordinate activity of law-enforcement agencies we have sent Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov to Kharkiv, First Vice-Prime-Minister Vitalii Yarema – to Donetsk, NSDC Secretary Andrii Parubii and Chairman of the Security Service of Ukraine Valentyn Nalyvaichenko – to Luhansk.

Tomorrow the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine will consider the law on strengthening criminal responsibility for separatism and other crimes against state.

According to the Ukrainian legislation, the issue on prohibition of activity of political parties and NGOs that are based of separatist positions and work for the aggressor–state, and against their own country and its people, will be raised.

I treat with respect different political views, including those of our opponents. However, separatism and use of weapons against their own state having a direct threat to security andlife of our citizens – this is not politics. This is an enormous crime! We will act adequately and decisively against criminals!