Ukraine Moves Toward Martial Law as West Region Breaks Away

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych moved to quell a growing insurgency by granting sweeping powers to the army and police after a region declared independence from his government, risking wider conflict.

Reeling from the bloodiest clashes in a three-month standoff, the Russian-backed leader’s security service said today it’s undertaking a nationwide anti-terrorism operation to restore public order and protect state borders. That gives the military the right to search, detain and even fire on civilians, the Defense Ministry said. The government and the opposition agreed on a truce and to continue talks to stop the bloodshed, Yanukovych said on his website after meeting opposition leaders.