Vladimir Putin (70) introduces martial law in the annexed territories of Ukraine. He had signed a decree to that effect, he announced on Wednesday in a speech on state television in the National Security Council.
This will be immediately submitted to the Federation Council for approval, Putin said. The regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia were annexed by Russia at the end of September. The annexation is not internationally recognized.
This is why Putin uses martial law
Even before the areas became part of Russia, they were under martial law, Putin claims in connection with the decision. “Now we have to formalize this regime.”
Putin justified the imposition of martial law by saying Kiev refused to recognize the outcome of the votes to join Russia. “On the contrary, the shelling continues. Innocent people are dying,” Putin said.
That changes when martial law applies
Under martial law, attempts at reconquest in the occupied territories could be seen as an attack on Russia. Moreover, this goes hand in hand with extensive powers for the Russian occupation administrations in the areas.
Residents may now be forced to work in the defense industry or prevented from traveling. Introducing military censorship or tapping private telephone conversations is now also officially possible.
Also possible is the introduction of a curfew, the confiscation of private property, an arrest of up to 30 days, as well as forced relocation to other areas. The measures are also suitable for strengthening control over the Russian population.
That’s why now
Putin declares martial law shortly after partial mobilization reportedly ends. The timing is special, but it makes sense. Because the Russian mobilization has revealed problems.
For the Russian army it is lacking on all sides. There is no clothing, no equipment, hardly any shelter. Martial law now allows Putin to provide the necessary resources for their war equipment.
That’s what Ukraine says
The adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (44), Mykhailo Podoliak (50), took to Twitter to comment on Putin’s decision to declare martial law in the annexed territories.
“The introduction of martial law” in the territories occupied by the Russian Federation should only be seen as a pseudo-legalization of the looting of Ukrainian property, Podoliak wrote. “This does not change anything for Ukraine: we will continue with the liberation and evacuation of our areas.” (EU)