What is martial law, and why did Putin impose it in Ukrainian areas?

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared martial law in four Ukrainian territories illegally annexed by Russia last month on Wednesday, October 19, 2022.

During a meeting of Russia’s security council on Wednesday, Putin granted emergency powers to regional leaders across Russia and declared martial law in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia beginning Thursday, October 20, 2022.

The conflict is centred on four occupied regions in eastern and southern Ukraine. Moscow annexed the territories last month following referendums, which Ukraine and the international community reject.

In practice, it is unclear what will change on the ground in highly militarised areas already under military occupation or contest in Ukraine’s counteroffensive. The main difference could be a new level of legal cover for military actions in Russia.

What is martial law?

Martial law expands the powers of the military and law enforcement. It gives the military the authority to impose curfews, restrict citizens’ freedom of movement, seize civilian property, monitor communications, and order citizens to rebuild destroyed cities.

“Martial law essentially means the suspension of normal economic governance, of the rule of law,” said Max Bergmann, director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Europe programme.