Putin’s statement signaled a desperate attempt to strengthen the Kremlin’s hold on Ukraine’s occupied territories. Russia has admitted its power is collapsing in Kherson, the only regional capital its forces have captured since the invasion eight months ago. The decree, which gives Russian authorities greater powers to seize property, restrict movement and force civilians to work for the war effort, also extends the security crackdown to southern and western Russia, with some measures being implemented in Moscow. President Putin formalizes law on Ukraine’s annexed territories Russia’s Plenipotentiary Civil Administration in Kherson said it would evacuate 10,000 citizens to
