Martial law

2022 - 10 - 19

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

What does Putin's martial law mean and what next for Ukraine war? (Aljazeera.com)

Russian president is attempting to tighten his grip on four annexed Ukrainian regions amid military setbacks.

“We continue the liberation and de-occupation of our territories.” The group is allegedly bankrolled and controlled by Prigozhin, a Russian oligarch known as “Putin’s chef” for his many catering contracts, through a network of front companies. Vitaliy Kim, governor of the Mykolaiv region in southern Ukraine, said he believed Putin’s decree was intended to enable Russia to “mobilise our people who’ve remained” in occupied territory. “We are trying to resolve difficult large-scale challenges on providing security to Russia and protecting the future of Russia, defending our people.” Ukraine and its Western allies have rejected the legitimacy of the so-called referendums, calling them a [“sham”.](/news/2022/9/28/russia-set-to-annex-ukraine-regions-after-sham-vote) The decree also calls for unspecified “mobilisation measures in the economic sphere”.

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Image courtesy of "NBC News"

Putin declares martial law in annexed Ukrainian regions (NBC News)

President Vladimir Putin announced on Wednesday that Russia would impose martial law in the four regions in Ukraine he illegally annexed last month.

Ukrainian victory in Kherson could bring Crimea within striking distance of Ukraine’s long-range weapons — a situation that would drastically raise the perceived stakes for Putin. [Pro-Russian officials warn of major Ukrainian offensive in Kherson](https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/pro-russian-officials-warn-of-major-ukrainian-offensive-in-kherson-151046725774) [Gen. “Our further plans and actions regarding the city of Kherson will depend on the unfolding military and tactical situation. Ukrainian forces continue their advance on Russian positions in eastern Ukraine, particularly the critical city of Kherson. [Zelenskyy ](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/volodymyr-zelenskyy-become-global-phenomenon-rcna24355)said Tuesday night that Russia’s latest turn in strategy — the use of so-called standoff missiles and drones against infrastructure and other targets far from the front — has taken 30% of the country’s power plants offline since the strikes began Oct. Local Russian-installed officials have begun to sound the alarm about a potential Russian retreat from the city, warning civilians that the time has come to abandon the city. Much about the measures is vague, giving the state more legal room to maneuver. “Now we need to formalize this regime within the framework of Russian legislation. Last month, the four regions held controversial referendums on whether to join Russia, which the international community and Ukraine widely criticized as illegitimate. Putin also signed an order Wednesday introducing some elements of wartime measures to Crimea, Belgorod, Voronezh, Kursk, Rostov and other regions bordering Ukraine. Russian officials have warned that more is to come. [Kherson](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/putin-problems-mount-ukraine-breakthrough-kherson-russia-military-rcna50408), [Zaporizhzhia](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russia-ukraine-war-nuclear-plant-zaporizhzhia-loses-power-source-iaea-rcna51329), [Luhansk ](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russia-conquers-ukraines-luhansk-lysychansk-key-eastern-province-rcna36530)and [Donetsk](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/russian-artillery-pounds-donetsk-new-offensive-ukraine-east-rcna36835), as well as the establishment of a new state coordination council aimed at fulfilling the objectives of his so-called special military operation.

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Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

Putin decrees 'martial law' in illegally annexed territories of Ukraine (The Washington Post)

RIGA, Latvia — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday imposed martial law in Ukrainian territories that he has claimed illegally to be annexed by ...

The city was the first regional capital seized in the invasion and served as a Russian logistical and political base in efforts to extend Russia’s control across southern Ukraine, including to the port city of Odessa. The Kherson region forms a crucial part of Putin’s much-coveted “land bridge” from mainland Russia to Crimea, the peninsula that Russia invaded and annexed illegally in 2014. We will stand to the end,” Stremousov said Wednesday. “We are not going to surrender the city. Though the Russians have been pushed back, they appeared to be making a more orderly, strategic retreat than they did last month in the northeastern Kharkiv region, where they “Putin’s martial law in the annexed regions … Speaking during a meeting of Russia’s security council Wednesday, Putin said he would also be establishing a new coordinating committee for the areas under martial law, to be led by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. I would like to reiterate that it is quite difficult today,” Surovikin said in an interview on state television. Putin said the four regions had been under martial law before Russia claimed to have annexed and absorbed them. The developments confront Kyiv and its Western backers with yet another test of their resolve. 24, and its forces stand accused of numerous war crimes. It also created some legal cover, at least under Russian law, for an array of potential abuses by military authorities and their proxies.

Putin Declares Martial Law in Moscow-Claimed Ukrainian Regions (The Moscow Times)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday declared martial law in four Ukrainian regions that Moscow claims to have annexed as the Russian military ...

These regions also have the authority to temporarily evacuate residents to safe areas. [Constitution](http://www.constitution.ru/) gives the president the power to declare martial law “in the event of aggression against the Russian Federation or of a direct threat of aggression,” requiring that the president inform both houses of Russian parliament, the Federation Council and the State Duma. [saying](https://t.me/mos_sobyanin/2266) in a Telegram post that the city will not impose any measures that might change “the normal rhythm of life” in the city. The country's Constitution states that when martial law is in effect “the rights and freedoms of citizens of the Russian Federation, foreign citizens and stateless persons” may be restricted. "I signed a decree to introduce martial law in these four subjects of the Russian Federation," Putin said during a televised meeting of Russia’s Security Council, referring to Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday declared martial law in four Ukrainian regions that Moscow claims to have annexed as the Russian military continues to be plagued by setbacks in its eight-month offensive.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo"

Vladimir Putin imposes martial law on annexed regions of Ukraine (Yahoo)

The Russian president made the statement during a speech to his Security Council on Wednesday. The four regions affected will be Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and ...

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Putin declares martial law in occupied parts of Ukraine, boosts ... (Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday he was introducing martial law in four Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine that Moscow claimed last month ...

General Assembly - and a threat to resort to nuclear weapons to defend what Russia sees as its own lands. But many regional chiefs - including Moscow's mayor Sergei Sobyanin - said they did not plan to make any immediate changes. "Our soldiers, no matter what tasks they perform, must be provided with everything they need. State Department said Russia was resorting to "desperate tactics". A Kyiv official said it would change nothing. Russia expert Mark Galeotti said on Twitter the moves amounted to "a declaration of variegated martial law across the whole of Russia", with some level of emergency regulation now applying across the whole country.

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Image courtesy of "Politico"

Putin declares martial law in illegally annexed regions of Ukraine (Politico)

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared martial law Wednesday in the four regions of Ukraine that Moscow annexed and gave additional emergency powers to ...

Putin didn’t immediately spell out the steps that would be taken under martial law, but said his order was effective starting Thursday. “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. Draft legislation indicates it may involve restrictions on travel and public gatherings, tighter censorship and broader authority for law enforcement agencies.

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Image courtesy of "Globalnews.ca"

Vladimir Putin declares martial law in 4 annexed regions of Ukraine (Globalnews.ca)

Putin said the measures he was ordering would increase the stability of the economy, industry and production in support of what Russia calls its special ...

But several Russian regions including Moscow that were named in parts of the decree said nothing would change for them. He said the steps he was ordering would increase the stability of the economy and industry and boost production in support of the military effort. A Kyiv official said it would change nothing. “We have every opportunity to resolve all the issues that arise here – and they do exist – at a modern level that is worthy of our country.” The failings of the military and the chaotic state of the mobilization – which prompted hundreds of thousands of men to flee abroad – have drawn unprecedented criticism even from Putin allies. Putin conferred additional powers on the leaders of all Russia’s 80-plus regions to protect critical facilities, maintain public order and increase production in support of the war effort.

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Image courtesy of "CNBC"

Putin introduces martial law in illegally annexed Ukrainian regions (CNBC)

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday introduced martial law in the four regions of Ukraine that Russia illegally annexed last month.

Recalling the blowing up of the Crimean bridge, Putin claimed Wednesday that the Russian special services "suppressed terrorist attacks in other regions of Russia ... and the needs of the population." Putin's comments come at a pivotal moment in the conflict in Ukraine. Martial law is often introduced as a temporary measure when civil authorities are deemed to be in crisis and struggling to function. On the contrary, shelling continues. [Vladimir Putin](https://www.cnbc.com/vladimir-putin/) on Wednesday introduced martial law in the four regions of Ukraine that Russia illegally annexed last month.

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Image courtesy of "Alaska Highway News"

Putin declares martial law in annexed regions of Ukraine (Alaska Highway News)

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin declared martial law Wednesday in the four regions of Ukraine that Moscow annexed and gave all regional ...

However, the order states that measures envisaged by martial law could be introduced anywhere in Russia “when necessary.” “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. The upper house of Russia’s parliament quickly endorsed Putin’s decision to impose martial in the annexed Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions.

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Putin declares martial law in annexed areas: What you should know (Aljazeera.com)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree imposing martial law in four “annexed” regions of Ukraine – Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia and Kherson.

[partial mobilisation](/news/2022/9/21/russias-putin-signs-decree-on-partial-mobilisation-for-citizens)”, which has taken place across Russia. According to him, the mobilisation in the “annexed” regions will now be “a total mobilisation instead of The decree allowed greater ability to limit movement to, from and within the areas and allows for the residents of those territories to be moved to “safe zones”.

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Putin declares martial law in annexed regions of Ukraine (ABC News)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared martial law in the four regions of Ukraine that Moscow annexed.

“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. However, the order states that measures envisaged by martial law could be introduced anywhere in Russia “when necessary.” The upper house of Russia’s parliament quickly endorsed Putin’s decision to impose martial law in the annexed Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions.

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Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Factbox: Russian martial law in parts of Ukraine - what will it mean? (Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday declared martial law in four partially occupied regions of Ukraine that Russia claims as its own.

Saldo announced on Wednesday that 50,000-60,000 people would be evacuated from part of the Kherson region over the next six days as a Ukrainian counteroffensive gathers pace. The head of Russia's Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, said on Wednesday that 5 million residents of the Donbas region and other parts of southeast Ukraine had "found refuge" in Russia in recent years from persecution by Kyiv, according to TASS. Russian law allows for the temporary "resettlement" of residents to safe areas and the evacuation of "objects of economic, social and cultural significance". The decree says that under martial law, authorities will have the power to enact measures to "meet the needs of Russia's armed forces", and that "territorial defence" will be carried out. Compelling civilians to serve in the armed forces of an occupying power is defined as a breach of the Geneva Conventions on conduct in war. The law that Putin invoked, dating from 2002, has never been used and can be implemented only if Russia faces aggression or the "immediate threat of aggression".

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Image courtesy of "CBC.ca"

The battle for Kherson looms in Ukraine, as Putin declares martial ... (CBC.ca)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has introduced martial law in four Ukrainian regions he says are part of Russia, as residents flee the Russian-held city of ...

to 11 p.m., it is necessary to minimize the use of electricity.… "The Russians want to show that Ukraine's counteroffensive will run into a harsh response from the Kremlin, which has declared these territories a part of Russia, and it's scary to even think about what that response might look like." The city of Kherson had a pre-war population of around 280,000 people but many of them have since fled. Sergei Surovikin, the new commander of Russian forces in Ukraine. In a move that looked designed to help Russia firm its grip on four Ukrainian regions it partly occupies and seeks to fully control — including the Kherson region — Putin told his Security Council he was introducing martial law in them. The enemy is deliberately striking infrastructure and residential buildings." Putin's order also opens the door for restrictive measures to be extended across Russia. The mass evacuation of civilians from one of the first major cities Russia seized in the invasion of Ukraine is a tacit acknowledgement that yet another stinging battlefield defeat may be unfolding for Putin. The city is on territory that Putin says is now formally incorporated into Russia, a move Ukraine and the West do not recognize. The Associated Press is withholding his family name, as he requested, for his safety. They risk being pinned against the western bank of the 2,200-kilometre-long river. Kirill Stremousov, deputy head of the local Russia-backed administration, made a video appeal after Russian forces in the area were driven back by 20 to 30 kilometres in the last few weeks.

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Image courtesy of "Financial Times"

Ukraine calls Russia's evacuation of Kherson residents a ... (Financial Times)

But the claims of evacuation and an impending attack were part of a Russian disinformation campaign to lay the groundwork for an armed provocation that Moscow ...

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Image courtesy of "The Globe and Mail"

Putin declares martial law in occupied Ukrainian regions (The Globe and Mail)

President Vladimir Putin introduced martial law on Wednesday in four Ukrainian regions he says Russia has annexed as some residents of the occupied city of ...

“We do not plan to surrender the city, we will stand until the last moment.” “But whatever they are doing, we will screw them anyway.” “Where the military operates, there is no place for civilians.” We understand that,” said Yaroslav, who declined to give his last name. “The Russians are trying to scare the people of Kherson with fake newsletters about the shelling of the city by our army,” Yermak wrote on the Telegram messaging app. He said the “entire system of state administration”, not only the specialized security agencies, must be geared to back up the Ukraine effort.

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Image courtesy of "Terrace Standard"

Putin declares Martial Law in Ukrainian regions annexed by ... (Terrace Standard)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered martial law on Wednesday for four illegally annexed Ukrainian regions, doubling down on a ...

“They are prepared to wipe the city from the face of the Earth but not give it back to the Ukrainians,” Zhdanov said in an interview. He said the strike cut power to villages, towns and to one city district. People are buying the last remaining groceries in grocery shops and are running to the Kherson river port, where thousands of people are already waiting,” the resident, Konstantin, said. It said Russian forces attacked nine southeastern regions of Ukraine using drones, rockets and heavy artillery, focusing on energy facilities. In a potentially ominous move, Putin’s order also opens the door for restrictive measures to be extended across Russia. Overnight shelling knocked out power and water in some parts of Enerhodar, Mayor Dmytro Orlov said. “Mostly it’s the pro-Russian officials, state employees, families with children and the elderly who are fleeing,” he said. What had previously been a trickle of evacuations from the city in recent days became a flood. By pulling civilians out of the region’s main city, which backs onto the river, and fortifying positions there, Russian forces appear to be hoping that the wide, deep waters will serve as natural barrier against the Ukrainian advance. Putin didn’t immediately spell out the powers that martial law would grant. The AP is withholding his family name, as he requested, for his safety. Text messages warned residents to expect shelling, Russian state media reported.

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Image courtesy of "PBS NewsHour"

Putin orders martial law in annexed Ukrainian regions; launches ... (PBS NewsHour)

Russian forces have launched mass evacuations of civilians from one of the first major cities they seized in the invasion of Ukraine.

He said the strike cut power to villages, towns and to one city district. It said Russian forces attacked nine southeastern regions of Ukraine using drones, rockets and heavy artillery, focusing on energy facilities. What had previously been a trickle of evacuations from the city in recent days was becoming a flood. Ukraine’s stunning counteroffensive appears to be bearing down on Kherson, a southern city of more than 250,000 people, with industries and a major port on the Dnieper River. In Enerhodar, where plant workers live, electricity and water was partially lost. Leaflets told evacuees that they could take the weight equivalent of two large suitcases, medicines and food for a few days. Putin didn’t immediately spell out the powers that martial law would grant. Sergei Surovikin’s comments as a warning of a possible pullback of Moscow’s forces. [Zaporizhzhia](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/ukraines-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-loses-external-power-again) Nuclear Power Plant, which is one of the most worrisome flashpoints of the nearly eight-month invasion. In a rare acknowledgement of the pressure that Kyiv’s troops are exerting on the ground, Russia’s new commander for Ukraine on Tuesday described the situation for Russian forces in the Kherson region as “very difficult.” Russian bloggers have interpreted Gen. [rolled back Russian positions](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/ukraine-retakes-more-territory-in-southern-kherson-region) on the river’s west bank in recent weeks, and the region’s Moscow-installed administrators now appeared to be hoping that the Dnieper’s wide, deep waters will act as a natural barrier against those approaching forces. KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian forces launched mass evacuations of civilians Wednesday from one of the first major cities they seized in the invasion of Ukraine — a tacit acknowledgement that yet another stinging battlefield defeat may be unfolding for President Vladimir Putin.

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Image courtesy of "The Washington Post"

What is martial law, and why did Putin impose it in Ukrainian areas? (The Washington Post)

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared martial law Wednesday in four Ukrainian territories illegally annexed by Russia last month.

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Image courtesy of "Forbes"

Putin Declares Martial Law In Russian-Occupied Ukrainian Territories (Forbes)

Moscow-installed officials in Kherson also ordered civilians to evacuate the region immediately as Ukrainian forces advance.

Ukrainian advisors have [warned](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/30/zelenskiy-tells-russian-forces-to-flee-as-ukraine-counteroffensive-begins-in-kherson) the counteroffensive in Kherson could be slow, as Russian forces [hold the line](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/16/russian-forces-hold-the-line-in-kherson-as-ukraine-counterstrikes) against Ukrainian advances. On Tuesday, however, Moscow-installed officials in Kherson [ordered](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63311744) civilians to evacuate the region immediately, believing a Ukrainian attack on the city could be imminent. [Americans With Dual Citizenship Should Leave Russia ‘Immediately’ — Could Be Drafted, Embassy Warns](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2022/09/28/americans-with-dual-citizenship-should-leave-russia-immediately---could-be-drafted-embassy-warns/?sh=73cfc07b659e) (Forbes) [Putin Accuses Ukraine Of ‘Act Of Terrorism’ After Crimea Bridge Explosion](https://www.forbes.com/sites/carlieporterfield/2022/10/09/putin-accuses-ukraine-of-act-of-terrorism-after-crimea-bridge-explosion/?sh=48f960f84804) (Forbes) [Putin Claims Four Ukrainian Regions As Russian In Illegal Annexation](https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2022/09/30/putin-illegally-annexes-four-ukrainian-regions-amid-international-condemnation/?sh=1e55b6352255) (Forbes) Large sections of those territories, however, are under Ukrainian control, including key commercial hub Lyman, as Ukrainian forces move toward Donetsk and Kherson, one of the areas where Russian forces moved after [retreating](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2022/09/10/russia-admits-retreat-as-ukraine-makes-first-major-gains-in-months/?sh=337525ae7fc5) from Kharkiv last month. [including](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2022/09/10/russia-admits-retreat-as-ukraine-makes-first-major-gains-in-months/?sh=6a4ee7f97fc5) the [capture](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/world/europe/ukraine-maps.html) of Lyman and Kharkiv, and as a critical bridge connecting Crimea to Russia was [attacked](https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianbushard/2022/10/08/watch-russias-lone-bridge-to-crimea-in-flames-heres-what-it-means-for-putins-war-efforts/?sh=abf759c75e18) last week, cutting off Moscow’s military support through the peninsula. [claimed](https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2022/09/30/putin-illegally-annexes-four-ukrainian-regions-amid-international-condemnation/?sh=1e55b6352255) the four regions as its own late last month, with Putin signing an official decree to illegally annex the territories, despite widespread condemnation from Western leaders that the referendums that led to the annexation were shams.

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Putin's martial law declaration in Ukraine 'speaks to his desperation ... (ABC News)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos about Russian measures against Ukraine.

"Just in the last few weeks, he's tried to mobilize more forces. More of Stephanopoulos' interview of Blinken airs Thursday on "Good Morning America." Secretary of State Antony Blinken told "Good Morning America" anchor George Stephanopoulos in a new interview that

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