Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday declared martial law in four recently annexed regions of Ukraine. According to Axios, The move gives Russia greater control over the territories — Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk. None of them are entirely controlled by Russian forces.
“I signed a decree on the introduction of martial law in these four constituent entities of the Russian Federation,” Putin said at a security council meeting Wednesday, Russian state news agency TASS reported. “It will immediately be sent for approval to the Federation Council, and the State Duma will be informed of the decision,” he added.
According to Fox News, Putin didn’t immediately spell out the steps that would be taken under martial law, but said his order was effective starting Thursday. His decree gives law enforcement agencies three days to submit specific proposals and orders the creation of territorial defense forces in the four annexed regions.
“We are working to solve very difficult large-scale tasks to ensure Russia’s security and safe future, to protect our people,” Putin said in televised remarks at the start of a Security Council meeting. “Those who are on the frontlines or undergoing training at firing ranges and training centers should feel our support and know that they have our big, great country and unified people behind their back.”
Russia has responded to the explosion on the Crimea bridge with a brutal bombing campaign that has targeted population centers, parks, and infrastructure as Ukraine’s cold winter approaches.
Russian drone and missile attacks have destroyed nearly a third of Ukraine’s power stations, but Ukrainian forces continue to gain ground President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Tuesday.
