Russian President Vladimir Putin declared "martial law" in the temporarily occupied territories of Kherson, Zaporizhzhya, Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The head of Russia stated this during a meeting of the Security Council of the Russian Federation on Wednesday, October 19.
Putin, explaining his decision to introduce "martial law" in the regions annexed by the Kremlin, reproached the Ukrainian side for refusing to negotiate. According to the President of the Russian Federation, as part of the relevant decree, the heads of the occupation administrations in four regions will be given additional powers.
According to Putin, his decree envisages "several levels of response to security risks".
"In the "DPR", "LPR" Kherson and Zaporizhzhya regions, before their accession to the Russian Federation, a regime of martial law operated. And now we need to formalize this regime within the framework of Russian legislation. That is why I signed the decree on the introduction of martial law in these four subjects ", - said the President of Russia.
Another decree of Putin provides for the introduction of an "average level of response" in the regions bordering Ukraine and annexed by Russia. In addition, the Russian leader ordered the creation of a special coordination council that will deal with the affairs of the four regions, headed by the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mykhailo Mishustin. The President of Russia also ordered to create "territorial defense" in the annexed regions.
In addition, according to Putin's decision, "martial law" provides for the evacuation of economic, social and cultural objects, the temporary resettlement of residents of the occupied regions, the introduction of a special entry and exit regime in the territory of four regions, restrictions on freedom of movement in them, seizure necessary "for defense needs of the population. There are no plans to introduce restrictions on the departure of citizens outside the Russian Federation in connection with the "martial situation", the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured.
Putin added that the decree will be sent to the Federation Council of the Russian Federation for its approval.
"Martial law", according to Putin's decision, will be implemented in four Ukrainian regions from 00:00 on October 20.