Putin decrees martial law in Ukraine's four annexed regions

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared martial law in the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporiyia, which were annexed by Moscow last September. However, none of the provinces is fully controlled by Russian troops. The move was announced by the Russian leader ahead of a meeting of Russia's Security Council and "will be immediately sent to the Federation Council for approval". "The State Duma has been notified of this decision," Putin said.

During his speech to the Security Council, in addition to announcing the decree, Putin also slammed the Ukrainian authorities, accusing them of "refusing to recognise the will and choice of the people" and "rejecting any proposals for negotiations". The Russian leader has once again branded the government in Kiev as "neo-Nazi". "Neo-Nazis use terrorist methods, sabotage vital facilities, organise assassination attempts," said Putin, who also blamed Ukraine for "sending sabotage groups" into Russian territory.

With the entry into force of martial law, the heads of the annexed regions will receive "additional authority", Putin said. Territorial defence headquarters are being set up in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporiyia, RIA reports. Meanwhile, in regions bordering Ukraine such as Crimea, Sevastopol, Krasnodar, Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk and Rostov, measures are being developed to "protect public order", the Russian media outlet adds. 

Martial law - declared in Ukraine since the invasion began in February - gives the authorities the power to impose curfews and other restrictions on citizens. According to Russian law, this measure limits the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens, foreigners and stateless persons, according to The Moscow Times.

The Russian newspaper notes that the government can impose "other measures" under martial law "if necessary", including "limitations on rights and freedoms", "additional obligations" or a "general or partial mobilisation".

The entry into force of martial law in the annexed Ukrainian regions coincides with a major advance of Ukrainian forces in the southeast of the country. After a major counteroffensive in Kharkov, the Ukrainian army is now moving towards Kherson, one of the first cities to fall into Russian hands since the beginning of the invasion. 

Faced with the Ukrainian advance, Russian authorities in the region have begun evacuating civilians. "There are plans to evacuate 50,000 to 60,000 people to the left bank of the Dnipro," said Volodymyr Saldo, the pro-Russian governor of the region.

Kiev, for its part, has accused Russia of "scaring" the citizens of Kherson with propaganda and false information. However, as Andriy Yermak, head of the presidential office, said on Telegram, "this propaganda programme will not work".