Energy Restrictions Underway Amid Attacks on Infrastructure

Kremlin Bolsters Regional Authorities, Restricts Movements

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared martial law in the four Ukrainian regions Russian claims to have annexed.

Putin signed a decree Wednesday giving the Russian military unlimited authority in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporozhye and Kherson oblasts.

During a video call with his Security Council, Putin said martial law was already in effect in those regions before the referendums and this move comes to “formalize this regime” within the framework of Russian legislation.

The United Nations General Assembly voted to approve a resolution condemning Russia’s “sham” referendums and “illegal” annexations last week. The international community will not recognize these alleged annexations by Russia.

Putin said the decree will “immediately be sent for approval to the Federation Council, and the State Duma will be informed of the decision,” state news agency Tass reported.

According to the decree, martial law will go into effect Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022.

The Kremlin also signed decrees to give additional powers to regional Russian leaders to ensure “anti-terrorist protection” of citizens and critical facilities and has also restricted the movement in and out of eight Russian regions bordering Ukraine.

Putin said these measure come as Kyiv refuses negotiation proposals and continues shelling attacks.

“The [Kyiv] regime, as you are aware, has refused to recognize the will and choice of the people, and has rejected any proposals for negotiations,” Putin said, according to state media outlet Sputnik. “On the contrary, shelling continues. Innocent people are dying. The Neo-Nazis are using openly terrorist methods, sabotaging critical infrastructure, assassinating representatives of local authorities.”