Putin Declares Martial Law in Occupied Ukrainian Territories and Strengthens Domestic Mobilization System... Enters Wartime Regime

Occupied residents face indiscriminate vehicle requisition... Forced relocation too
Wartime support orders issued to over 80 areas... Additional mobilization possible

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared martial law in the occupied territories of Ukraine and strengthened orders for wartime support in over 80 regions within Russia, effectively announcing a transition to a wartime regime. This move is interpreted as a drastic measure to change the course of the war as Ukraine’s counteroffensive intensifies, forcing a full withdrawal from the key strategic point of Kherson.

On the 19th (local time), President Putin announced at the National Security Council that martial law would be declared in four regions: Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), and the Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR). Martial law is a form of national emergency power activated during wartime or national crises, and it is an exclusive authority of the president. In regions where martial law is declared, parts of the constitution are suspended and military law is enforced.

With the declaration of martial law, forced conscription of personnel and materials by the Russian military under the pretext of war support has become possible in the four occupied Ukrainian regions. As the Ukrainian military’s counteroffensive intensifies around the key strategic point of Kherson, the possibility of a full withdrawal has emerged, prompting evacuation orders for residents in the area. It is reported that over 60,000 residents in Kherson have been forcibly relocated.

President Putin strongly criticized, saying, “The Kyiv regime refuses to recognize the results of the referendum, rejects any negotiation proposals, continues shooting, and kills civilians,” and added, “Ukraine is using terrorist methods and has committed various acts of terrorism, including attacks on Russian nuclear facilities following the destruction of the Crimean Bridge.”

In addition to the occupied territories in Ukraine, President Putin imposed movement restrictions and economic mobilization measures on adjacent regions. Mobilization orders were issued to cities neighboring Ukraine, including the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia forcibly annexed in 2014, as well as Krasnodar, Belgorod, Boyansk, Voronezh, Kursk, and Rostov.

Furthermore, he announced that heads of over 80 regions across Russia would be granted additional authority to increase production in support of military operations, defend key facilities, and maintain public order. This is effectively a declaration of a wartime mobilization system, marking the full-scale transition of Russia into a wartime regime. Consequently, there is speculation that the Russian government may issue a general mobilization order if additional troops are needed.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.