What did Ukraine's 30-day emergency mean on 30 March 2020?
A look back at the emergency regime in force across Ukraine as neighbouring Russia closed its borders and a former foreign minister sat under arrest.
What did life in Ukraine look like on 30 March 2020, five days after the government declared a nationwide emergency over the coronavirus? The Cabinet of Ministers had introduced the regime on 25 March 2020 for 30 days, covering the entire territory of the country because of the spread of the disease.
The measure was already in force on 30 March 2020, and it set the backdrop for the day. Under its 30-day term, the regime was due to run for roughly a month from its introduction.
Neighbouring borders close
The region was tightening restrictions at the same time. On 28 March 2020, Russia announced that all of its borders would be closed from 30 March 2020 to counter the spread of COVID-19. The measure did not apply to Russian diplomats or to drivers of freight trucks, among others. The closure took effect on the covered date, as the pandemic in Europe and in Russia drew similar responses.
A separate story in the news
Public attention in Ukraine was not confined to the pandemic. On 25 March 2020, the same day the emergency was introduced, security forces arrested former Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara on charges of murdering advertising mogul Sergiy Starytsky. The arrest remained part of the public record in the days that followed.
Taken together, these developments describe 30 March 2020 as a day shaped by a nationwide emergency at home, a closing border next door and a high-profile criminal case.
