Oct 19 is the new date.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared martial law in four Russian-occupied territories on Wednesday as Ukrainian forces advanced towards the key city of Kherson.
Moscow says it annexed last month.
In a Security Council meeting posted on the Kremlin's Telegram channel, Putin announced that martial law would be imposed in the eastern Ukrainian regions.
The anticipated move comes as Russian forces suffer continued ground setbacks in eastern and southern Ukraine, including the capture of Lyman and Kharkiv, and as a key bridge connecting the peninsula to Russia was attacked last week.
Putin claimed martial law would increase economic stability in the area, but western officials warned it could cause ordinary law to be suspended, preventing military-age Russians from fleeing.
According to a draft legislation seen by the Washington Post, the declaration could include restrictions on public gatherings and travel.
The council will take up legislation to finalize the order as soon as possible, according to the chairman.
The story is evolving.
Despite widespread condemnation from Western leaders that the referendums that led to the annexation were shams, the Kremlin claims the four regions as its own. Large sections of those territories, including the commercial hub of Lyman, are under the control of the Ukrainians. The counteroffensive in Kherson could be slow, as Russian forces hold the line against the Ukrainians. Moscow-installed officials in Kherson ordered civilians to leave the region on Tuesday, fearing a Ukrainian attack.
The so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" and "Luhansk People's Republic" are examples of places where martial law is already in place.
American citizens with dual citizenship should leave Russia immediately.
Putin accused the Ukrainians of an act of terrorism after the bridge explosion.
Putin claims that four Ukrainian regions are part of Russia.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
