Russian President Vladimir Putin said he has declared martial law in the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia, giving additional powers to the heads of Russia's regions. Moscow claims to have annexed these four Ukrainian regions.
"I signed the decree declaring a state of war in these four subjects of the Russian Federation," Putin said during the meeting of Russia's National Security Council, which was broadcast live.
The Kremlin then published the decree stating that the state of war will take effect on the morning of October 20. Putin did not indicate what concrete steps would be taken after declaring a state of war. His decree gives law enforcement agencies three days to submit specific proposals.
"We are working to solve difficult issues to protect Russia's security and guarantee a secure future, to protect our people," Putin said.
"Those who are on the war lines or are being trained for war in the training centers, should feel our support and should know that they have the country and the population behind them", he added.
The Upper House of the Russian Parliament is expected to meet soon to approve Putin's decision to declare a state of war. This measure is expected to include restrictions on travel and public gatherings, but also giving greater powers to law enforcement authorities.
Russia launched its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine on February 24. After Moscow held fake referendums in four Ukrainian regions, on September 30 Putin signed the decree to annex them. Kiev and the West have described the annexation of four Ukrainian regions, which are partially occupied by Russian forces, as an illegal decision./REL