Russian Senate approves martial law in annexed regions of Ukraine

Putin announced decree after pro-Moscow authorities in Kherson began to evacuate the region, where Ukraine is carrying out counteroffensive| Photo: EFE/EPA/GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN

The Russian Senate approved this Wednesday (14) the decree of President Vladimir Putin introducing martial law from Thursday (15) in the four Ukrainian regions that were annexed by the country in September.

Within hours of Putin’s announcement at the Kremlin Security Council, senators gave the go-ahead unanimously as it will be in effect in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, as recommended by the Defense, Federal Structure and Senate Fundamental Law committees.

Putin took this step after pro-Moscow authorities in Kherson began evacuating the region, where the Ukrainian army has already regained control of 59 cities.

In addition, the deputy governor of Kherson, Kiril Stremousov, said this Wednesday that Kyiv troops had entered the offensive in the province towards Nova Kamenka-Berislav, the kilometers northeast of the regional capital.

According to Stremousov, two infantry battalions and a tank battalion are participating in the offensive.

Putin also granted new powers to the heads of government of Russian regions so that they can take security measures in in relation to the defense of the population and essential infrastructure.