Behind Putin’s Announcement of Martial Law in Annexed Ukrainian Regions

On October 19, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he will impose martial law in the four Ukrainian regions that Russia declared annexed in September: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

Martial law in Russia is implemented through a presidential decree that requires approval by the Senate within 48 hours and notification to the Duma. It will come into effect October 20 and will remain in force until the cessation of aggression or the external threat.

The subsequent measures following the imposition of martial law in the four regions remain unclear, but the decree was followed by orders to enhance the powers of the governors of those regions. It is likely that the administrations of those regions will be replaced by military oversight, in addition to broader restrictions that may affect their residents. These restrictions could include bans on travel, gatherings, political parties, and any form of political activity.

The martial law decree is an expected step following the partial mobilization of the Russian military machinery. This includes the call-up of approximately 200,000 reservists, coupled with strong financial support to restore the strength of the war effort, which has been depleted since February 2022.

This explains the announcement of “economic mobilization” in eight Russian regions, including the Crimean Peninsula. The four regions that Russia declared annexed will experience the militarization of their economic system by redirecting their resources and factories to serve war production, thereby supporting Russia’s military and combat strength in Ukraine.