Putin declares martial law in 4 unilaterally annexed regions of Ukraine

Moscow, Oct 19: Russian President Vladimir Putin declared martial law on Wednesday in four regions of Ukraine- Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson- that Moscow illegally annexed.

"I signed a decree to introduce martial law in these four subjects of the Russian Federation," Putin said during a national security council meeting.

"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 as reported by news agency PTI"

The upper house of Russia's parliament was set to quickly seal Putin's decision to impose martial law in the four regions. Draft legislation indicates it may involve restrictions on travel and public gatherings, tighter censorship and broader authority for law enforcement agencies.

Putin also didn't provide details of the extra powers to be given to the heads of Russian regions under his decree.

"In the current situation, I consider it necessary to give additional powers to heads of all Russian regions," he said. The Russian leader also ordered the establishment of a Coordination Committee to increase interaction between various government agencies in dealing with the fighting in Ukraine that he continued to call a "special military operation.''

(with PTI inputs)