Yesterday, a new wave of a special
operation by the Russian Federation against Ukraine had started. Its
aim is to destabilize the situation in the country, overthrow the
Ukrainian authorities, sabotage the (May 25 presidential) election and tear apart our
country.

The separatist groupings which are
coordinated by Russian secret services, have taken over the regional
administration building in Kharkiv, the regional administration and
State Security Service buildings in Donetsk, and also the building of
the State Security Service in Luhansk. In particular, what is
especially dangerous, they took weapons into their hands.

All this is happening on the background
of the presence of Russian troops close to our border. The enemies of
Ukraine are trying to play the Crimean scenario, but we will not
allow it.

Last night we created the Anti-Crisis
headquarters. We will conduct anti-terrorist measures against those
who took up to arms. We have increased the defense of the eastern
border of our country.

Taking into consideration the passive
behavior of some local law enforcement bodies, they will be
strengthened with subdivisions from other regions.

To coordinate the activity of the law
enforcers we have sent to Kharkiv the Interior Minister Arsen
Avakov, to Donetsk – First Deputy Prime Minister Vitaliy Yarema,
and to Luhansk – National Security and Defense Council Secretary
Andriy Parubiy and Head of SBU Valentyn Nalyvaichenko.

Tomorrow the Verkhovna Rada will consider,
as one of the first drafts, proposals to increase criminal
responsibility for separatism and other crimes against the state.
According to Ukrainian law, the issue will be raised about a full
ban on the activity of those political parties and civic
organizations which speak from positions of separatism and work for
the aggressor, against their own state and people.

I respect various political views,
including those of our opponents. But separatism and the use of arms
against our own state, which carries a direct threat to the security and
life of our citizens is nothing to do with politics. It’s a grave
crime. We will act against criminals, adequately and decisively.