Russian President Vladimir Putin declared martial law in four regions of Ukraine, which Moscow illegally annexed and granted additional emergency powers to the heads of Russian regions.
The steps Putin will take under martial law, which will take effect on Wednesday, were not immediately drawn up, but the law has hinted at restrictions on travel and public gatherings, strict censorship and greater powers for law enforcement agencies.
Putin has also been tight-lipped about the details of the additional powers granted to Russian regional chiefs under his decree.
The Russian leader also talked about the creation of a coordination committee for interaction between various government agencies aimed at dealing with Ukraine. Through this he continued what he called “special military operations”.