Putin Introduces Martial law in “Annexed” Ukrainian Regions

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree Wednesday imposing martial law in four illegally “annexed” Ukrainian regions – Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.

Putin announced the signing of the decree at a meeting of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. He said that in these territories "there was a regime of martial law” in these territories “before joining Russia.”

“Now we need to formalize this regime already within the framework of Russian legislation. Therefore, I signed a decree on the introduction of martial law in these four subjects of the Russian Federation," Putin said.

He added that the decree will immediately be sent for approval to the Federation Council. "The State Duma has also been informed of the decision," Putin added.

When martial law is in effect, the military commander of a region will have unlimited authority to make and enforce laws. It is the imposition of direct military control of normal civil functions or suspension of civil law by a government.

“We are working on solving very complex large-scale tasks to ensure security and protect the future of Russia,” Putin said.

The decree also gave additional power to authorities in Russian border regions. Further, it restricts movement in and out of eight regions adjoining Ukraine (Krasnodar, Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk and Rostov and Crimea and Sevastopol); and allows for the residents of those territories to be moved to “safe zones.”

Putin has also ordered establishment of a coordination committee to increase interaction between government agencies dealing with the war.