Putin declares military situation in Ukrainian annexed regions

Putin also instructed the government to establish a special co-ordination council under Prime Minister Mikhail Misustin to work with Russia's regions to promote Moscow's war efforts in Ukraine.

The moves, nearly eight months after the war, marked Putin's recent escalation to counter a series of major losses in the hands of Ukrainian forces since early September, Reuters writes, broadcast Klankosova.tv.

Putin said the measures he was ordering would boost the stability of the economy, industry and production in support of what Russia calls its special military operation.