Russian President Vladimir Putin declared martial law in the four regions of Ukraine Moscow annexed on Wednesday. Additional emergency powers have also been given to the heads of all Russian regions..The order, which will take effect Thursday, gives law enforcement agencies three days to submit specific proposals. It also orders the creation of territorial defense forces in the four regions..“We are working to solve very difficult large-scale tasks to ensure Russia’s security and safe future, to protect our people,” Putin said during a security council meeting..“Those who are on the frontlines or undergoing training at firing ranges and training centers should feel our support and know they have our big, great country and unified people behind their back.”.Draft legislation indicated restrictions on travel and public gatherings, tighter censorship and broader authority for law enforcement agencies will be imposed on the regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia..Putin also ordered the establishment of a coordination committee to increase interactions between government agencies in dealing with the fighting in Ukraine he continued to call a “special military operation.”.The new commander of Russian forces in Ukraine, Sergei Surovikin, recently acknowledged Russian forces in the country are facing pressures. Ukraine launched offensives to retake the southern and eastern areas of the country back in September, forcing Russia to retreat.."The situation in the area of the special military operation can be described as tense," Surovikin said. "The situation is difficult. The enemy is deliberately striking infrastructure and residential buildings." .In the city of Kherson, Ukrainian forces are preparing for a large-scale offensive. The Russian-installed chief of Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, said the Russians will "stand until the last moment."
