In particular, Turchinov said that he advocated the introduction of martial law in the country back in 2014, but he was not supported, since this would not have allowed for a presidential election in the country.
“Formally, legally, when a war occurs, it is necessary to introduce martial law. I tried to do this, even when the Crimean aggression began, and then I was not supported ... it was necessary to have legitimate authority, many of the leaders themselves wanted to be president, ”said the former head of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.
He cited fears of a possible cessation of IMF financial support, the loss of foreign investors, and political motives as other reasons for not taking this step.
“Although many confuse the declaration of war and martial law. Unfortunately, declaring war - we still cannot declare war on a nuclear state ... But martial law ... is mobilizing the entire economic potential of the state to strengthen defense, ”Turchinov concluded.
In late January, President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky spoke about the scar in relations between Kiev and Moscow, which will remain forever.
Crimea became the Russian region after a referendum held there in March 2014, in which most residents spoke out for reunification with Russia.