KIEV: The martial law imposed on a few Ukrainian regions on Nov. 26 has expired, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Wednesday.
“This is my principled decision. It is based on the analysis of all components of the current security situation in Ukraine,” Poroshenko was quoted as saying by his press service.
The martial law has enabled Ukraine to develop the capabilities of its armed forces by redeploying troops, reducing terms of combat coordination, increasing the number of reserve personnel and supplying weapons.
The martial law has not affected the Ukrainian economy and human rights, Poroshenko said.
Ukraine imposed martial law on 10 regions mainly bordering Russia for 30 days starting from 2 p.m. local time (GMT 1200) on Nov. 26 due to tensions with Russia over the Kerch Strait.
Poroshenko said that “martial law does not mean the declaration of war,” but a step toward strengthening Ukraine’s defense.