Ukraine declares martial law after renewed tensions with Russia

Ukraine has declared martial law after Sunday's capture of three of its naval vessels and 23 crew members by Russia. <br />For more on this and other news around the world we turn to our Ro Aram,.<br />Aram… what does the move mean?<br /><br />Well Mark… Ukrainian lawmakers backed President Petro Poroshenko's request on Monday for martial law to be imposed for 30 days starting Wednesday.<br />He said the move was needed to strengthen national defenses against what he called a possible "invasion" by Russia. <br />It will also allow authorities to restrict public rallies and regulate the media.<br />However, the president insisted the decree would not curb civil liberties or lead to a delay in next year's presidential elections, scheduled for the end of March. <br />The renewed tensions began after the Russian coastguard opened fire on the Ukrainian vessels off the coast of annexed Crimea. <br />Ukraine said it was a Russian "act of aggression", while Moscow said the ships had illegally entered its waters.<br />Meanwhile, the renewed tensions have also sparked renewed pressure on Moscow, with western nations condemning its actions during a UN Security Council meeting. <br />Washington's envoy to the UN, Nikki Haley, described Russia's actions as an "outrageous violation of sovereign Ukrainian territory."<br />She added that sanctions on Russia would remain in place and any escalation by Moscow would only worsen ties. <br />A host of EU nations and Canada voiced similar sentiment, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel stressing the need for dialogue.<br />Russia's foreign ministry again blamed Kiev, saying its "planned provocation was aimed at igniting another source of tension in the region in order to create a pretext to ramp up sanctions against Russia."<br />Russia has summoned the ranking diplomat at Kiev's embassy in Moscow over the incident. <br />