Putin declares martial law in annexed regions of Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday declared martial law in four recently annexed regions of Ukraine.

Why it matters: The move gives Russia greater control over the territories — Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk. None of them are entirely controlled by Russian forces.

What they're saying: "I signed a decree on the introduction of martial law in these four constituent entities of the Russian Federation," Putin said at a Security Council meeting Wednesday, Russian state news agency TASS reported.

"It will immediately be sent for approval to the Federation Council, and the State Duma will be informed of the decision," he added.

"We are working to solve very difficult large-scale tasks to ensure Russia’s security and safe future, to protect our people," he said, according to a translation from AP.

The big picture: Since Putin introduced the prospect of annexation, analysts warned that the move could allow Russia to claim that fighting is taking place on Russian soil and attempt to recast the war as a defensive one.