Donetsk, Dec 11 - DAN. Kiev needs an escalation in Donbass in order to extend the operation of martial law in the country and postpone the presidential election, Donetsk People’s Republic Head Denis Pushilin told reporters on Tuesday.
“In actual fact, Ukrainian authorities want to aggravate the military situation in Donbass to secure extension of martial law in the country, possible election postponement and restrictions of voting rights in certain Ukrainian districts,” Pushilin said.
On Monday, DPR People’s Militia deputy commander Eduard Basurin unveiled Ukrainian forces’ plan to launch an offensive on the Mariupol axis with a 12,000-strong force on December 14. On Tuesday, Pushilin said that the DPR People’s Militia was ready to counter the Ukrainian army aggression in southern Donbass.
Ukraine introduced martial law in ten regions of country for 30 days on November 26. Its incumbent President Petr Poroshenko initially sought to impose martial law for 60 days which might have become a reason for election postponement.*jk