KIEV, February 14. /TASS/. Ukraine’s police on Monday announced heavy security measures will be in force across country from February 14-19.
The measures are introduced in an effort to "respond to any security threats in a faster manner," the police said on Telegram.
"The heavy security isn’t another reason for panic," it said. "It’s about defense and full readiness".
The measures stipulate an increased number of patrols in the streets and the deployment of additional situation centers that will monitor the state of affairs in the country round the clock. Protection will be reinforced at government buildings and crucial infrastructure facilities.
There has been a flurry of statements in the West and Kiev lately that Russia could invade Ukraine. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said they were unsubstantiated escalation and that Russia doesn’t threaten anyone. At the same time, he didn’t rule out provocations to corroborate these Western statements and warned that the use of force to resolve the crisis in southeastern Ukraine will have serious consequences.