Putin Announces Martial Law in Annexed Ukraine Regions

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

Key Quotes: "Those who are on the frontlines or undergoing training at firing ranges and training centers should feel our support and know that they have our big, great country and unified people behind their back," said Putin in televised remarks at the start of a Security Council meeting. An advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the announcement "should be considered only as a pseudo-legalization of looting of Ukrainians' property."

For Context: The move gives Russia greater control over the territories of Donetsk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk, as none of them are completely controlled by Russian forces. It could also allow Russia to claim that fighting is taking place on Russian soil, according to some analysts. The announcement came ahead of a looming attack on Russia-controlled Kherson by Ukrainian forces, and it included a decree restricting movement in and out of eight regions adjoining Ukraine. The measures apply to Crimea and Sevastopol, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014, and the southern regions of Belgorod, Krasnodar, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk and Rostov.

How The Media Covered It: Sources across the spectrum highlighted the news prominently Wednesday morning, and noted that the announcement comes ahead of an expected attack on Kherson.