Putin declares martial law in annexed regions of Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin. His decree gives law enforcement agencies three days to submit specific proposals. Picture: Sergei Ilyin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared martial law in the four regions of Ukraine that Moscow illegally annexed and given additional emergency powers to the heads of all regions of Russia.

Mr Putin did not immediately spell out the steps that would be taken under martial law, but said his order was effective starting on Thursday.