Russian President Vladimir Putin recently proclaimed martial law in the four Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine it claimed as Russian territory last month. In the same televised remarks, Putin instructed his Security Council to set up a government with a central coordinating council under the direction of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Putin wants Mishutin to work with the “Russian regions” to boost the Russian war effort in Ukraine.
After almost eight months of war, Putin’s moves mark his latest attempts to counter the recent chain of defeats by Ukrainian forces in recent weeks.
The proclamation came the same day officials installed by the Kremlin in Kherson, one of the four Russian-occupied regions in Ukraine, told citizens in specific areas to evacuate areas feared to be in the line of a possible Ukrainian attack.
The Russian president said his orders are meant to increase economic stability, production, and industry in support of Russia’s “special military operation.”
“We are working on solving very complex, large-scale tasks to ensure a reliable future for Russia, the future of our people,” said Putin.
After several Ukrainian gains, Russian President Putin has taken several escalatory steps. He unilaterally annexed four regions of Ukraine and instated conscription, calling up thousands of additional Russian troops. The call-up of troops remains unpopular with the Russian public. Meanwhile, the annexation of the four regions has been condemned as being illegal by the vast majority of nations in the United Nations General Assembly.
Desperate measures by Putin
Russian military failings and chaotic mobilization issues have prompted Russian men to flee conscription and have drawn mounting criticism — even from allies of Putin. Some regions have turned to public appeals for new soldiers as well as additional essential basic equipment at the front.
“Our soldiers, no matter what tasks they perform, must be provided with everything they need. This applies to the equipment of barracks and places of deployment, living conditions, kit and gear, food and medical care,” said Putin. “We have every opportunity to resolve all the issues that arise here — and they do exist — at a modern level that is worthy of our country.”
Putin says his steps will increase the stability of industry and the economy and could boost production to support the military effort.
“We are working on solving very complex, large-scale tasks to ensure a reliable future for Russia, the future of our people,” said Putin.
