The Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Denis Monastyrsky, amid threats of further Russian aggression, turned to the Ukrainians, urged them not to panic and spoke about the situation in the country.
The video message was published on the official website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
Monastyrsky stressed that the situation on the streets of cities and villages in Ukraine is now stable and under control.
– Over the past day in Ukraine, not a single significant violation of public order has been recorded. Transport infrastructure, energy, utilities are operating as usual, the minister said.
He recalled that from February 14 to February 19, the personnel of the National Police were transferred to an enhanced duty regime. Additional patrols took to the streets of cities and villages today.
In addition, important objects of Ukraine's critical infrastructure, communications and transport have been taken under protection.
– The increased regime of law enforcement officers is not an additional reason for panic. It's about protection and full readiness for any challenge. Therefore, I can say with confidence: the Ministry of Internal Affairs is a reliable rear for the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” said Monastyrsky.
The minister warned that hundreds of fakes and false “apocalyptic” messages could now be circulating in the information space and social networks, which should not be responded to. The purpose of these messages is to instill fear and panic among the population.
At the end of the video, policemen, National Guardsmen, border guards and rescuers also turned to the Ukrainians. They assured that they were reliably defending the country, and urged not to panic.
The day before, Denis Monastyrsky assured that the Ministry of Internal Affairs would not allow the scenarios that were observed in the spring of 2014 in the cities of Ukraine (in particular, in Kharkiv, Lugansk and Donetsk). The minister stressed that if some hypothetical “Girkin” tries to seize the buildings, he will be shot by Ukrainian special forces without warning.
