Ukraine's parliament is to decide whether to bring in martial law, after Sunday's capture of three
of its naval vessels and 23 crew members by Russia. Martial law is the imposition of direct military control of normal civilian functions of government, especially in response to a temporary emergency such as invasion or major disaster, or in an occupied territory
The three ships were sailing off the coast of Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014,
when they were seized. Russia opened fire, before its special forces stormed the vessels. Between three and six Ukrainians were injured. Ukraine said it was a Russian "act of aggression". Moscow said the ships had illegally entered its waters.
On Monday, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said he was proposing that parliament back
a 30-day martial law - half the length of that recommended by Ukraine's security and defence
council. He said he did not want the measure to affect presidential elections set for 31 March 2019.
Sunday's clash is the first time Russia and Ukraine have come into open conflict in recent years,
although Ukrainian forces have been fighting Russian-backed separatists and Russia volunteers
in the east since 2014.
A number of Western countries condemned Russia's actions. Russia said the Ukrainian ships were in its waters illegally because Moscow had temporarily closed an area of water for shipping. Kiev called Russia's actions a flagrant violation of international law, because the Black Sea is free for shipping, and Crimea belongs to Ukraine. Ukraine also cited a 2003 Russia-Ukraine treaty on unimpeded access to the Kerch Strait and Sea of Azov.
What could martial law in Ukraine involve?
Martial law could give the government the power to restrict public demonstrations
, regulate the media, suspend elections, and oblige citizens to carry out "socially necessary"
tasks such as working at a defence facility, local media report.
Why are relations so bad between Russia and Ukraine?
Ukraine gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
However, Russia considers a Western-leaning Ukraine a threat to its interests.
In 2014, Ukraine's pro-Russian leader was overthrown, after large-scale protests against the
government's decision to abandon plans to sign an association agreement with the EU.
Russia then annexed Crimea, while Russia-backed separatists moved against the Ukrainian
state in the east.
More than 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict in the east.
GUYS, WHAT DO YOU THINK?
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Jesse Osayande Vucinic Ehiagwina
Russia going down? Not gonna happen. The only country that can fight the USA in a full blown war isn't going down because Ukraine is angry.
Small fish can't trouble a shark
Small fish can't trouble a shark
