Kremlin weighs introducing martial law, banning draft-age men from leaving country
Read also: Not enough people left in occupied areas of Zaporizhzhia Oblast to hold “referendum,” official says
According to the report, martial law could be introduced if Ukraine continues to advance and liberate its occupied territories, which Russia will soon consider to have been annexed, following the holding of sham “referendums” there on Sept. 23-27.
Read also: Russians force Kherson Oblast residents to participate in sham referendum
Verstka’s sources said it would be “unfortunate, but possible” that martial law might have to be instituted across Russia.
Read also: Russia disproportionally targets ethnic minorities with mobilization notices
Furthermore, the Russian leadership is concerned by the substantial flow of men out of the country, as people are fleeing mobilization, and is mulling banning men from leaving in the coming days.
These plans will be discussed by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, the Russian parliament, and the government early next week, according to Verstka.
Putin declared a “partial” mobilization in Russia on Sept. 21, ostensibly planning to call-up 300,000 men to the Russian army.
Several Russian media later reported that up to 1.2 million men are to be mobilized, with ethnic minorities across Russia bearing the brunt of the call-up.
Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
