Ukrainian lawmakers approve martial law as tensions with Russia escalate

Ukrainian lawmakers on Monday voted to introduce martial law in the border areas with Russia after it seized three Ukrainian navy ships and detained 24 sailors in a key waterway that holds strategic importance for both countries.

It's the first time Ukraine has enacted martial law since the conflict with Russia began in 2014, indicating a major escalation in tensions between the two former Soviet Republics.
The law -- which could give the government extraordinary powers over civil society -- will start on November 28 and will last 30 days. In Parliament, 276 members voted for the motion.