In a meeting of the National Security Council of the Russian Federation, President Putin issued a flurry of directives concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine, among the most significant being the declaration of martial law in Kherson and Zaporizhia, where Russian troops control. He also instructed the governors of districts in the Central and Southern military districts to declare martial law at their own discretion in areas that are impacted by the war in Ukraine. These decrees significantly escalate Russian civilian mobilization for a longer war.
The meeting kicked off with president Putin granting sweeping powers to the four Russian-appointed administration leaders of the four occupied Ukrainian oblasts. This includes the creation of territorial defense units of each oblast, made up of citizens in those areas. He instructed these men to introduce measures “to protect the population from emergencies”. However, the Russian President made a point to say that the borders between the Russian Federation and these oblasts will not be closed. This was highlighted yesterday when several border posts between Donetsk and Krasnodar Krai were dismantled.
President Putin also instructed the four regional leaders to provide “comprehensive support” of families of mobilized servicemen. Since the mobilization began last month, at least 35 servicemembers have been killed in training accidents, and most notably the mass shooting in Belgorod. However, Russia-appointed Kherson Oblast officials Stremousov told his followers that the implementation of martial law will simplify the achievement of regional goals because there will be no need for “conversations with Nazis”. These comments hint a darker side to the implementation considering that pro-Ukrainian voices in the civilian communities will be persecuted.
In order to fulfill this mandate, President Putin appointed Moscow Mayor Sobyanin as head of the commission to coordinate regional security. He will reportedly coordinate “anti-terrorist” military activities in the four regions while they are under martial law. The commission or council will also be chaired by prime Minister Mishustin. At the time of the appointment at 0900 EST, Mayor Sobyanin told press that measures implemented will “not interfere with rhythm of life”.
Foreign Ministry Deputy Ivanov also back-pedaled comments made by Foreign Minister Lavrov, who yesterday told press that there was no longer any need to maintain diplomatic presence in Western countries. Ivanov told press today that the embassies in Western countries will still operate.
