Frontline city in east Ukraine imposes tough new security measures
MARIUPOL Ukraine – Pro-Kyiv authorities in Mariupol, a frontline city in the conflict between Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists, announced on Wednesday a night curfew and other restrictions for nearby towns and villages to help control rebel movements during a fragile ceasefire.
Some locals complained that the measures – which do not apply to the city of Mariupol itself – amounted to “undeclared martial law”; but others deemed them a necessary step enabling Ukrainian authorities to better monitor the shaky five-day ceasefire and prevent rebels exploiting it.
“With these measures, the border guards are trying to deny the rebels the ability to reconnoitre our positions under cover of civilians’ movements,” one military officer told Reuters.
“This is not martial law. We want them to show themselves. If someone is out there between 8pm and 6am we will know they are not civilians and we can take appropriate measures.”
Mariupol, a strategic port on the Sea of Azov vital for Ukraine’s steel exports, has been a flashpoint in a five-month conflict in which more than 3,000 people have been killed.
Before last Friday’s ceasefire, the rebels had made big advances towards Mariupol, backed up – Kyiv says – by Russian troops and weaponry. Moscow denies sending troops into Ukraine or arming the rebels.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on Wednesday Russia had removed the bulk of its troops from Ukrainian soil as part of moves towards a settlement.
As well as the night-time curfew, city authorities have banned columns of vehicles and the transport of various kinds of equipment, imposed strict speed restrictions and increased document checks in those areas affected.
The measures apply to a string of villages and small towns to the east of Mariupol. The city is about 50 km (35 miles) from the Russian border.
The military officer said rebels had been using civilian vehicles to access Ukrainian positions for reconnaissance purposes and to transport men and supplies around the area.
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