Putin Talks Down Prospect Of Martial Law Imposition

More comments coming from Russian President Vladimir Putin in his televised meeting with military bloggers, now onto the threat posed to Russia itself from the conflict in Ukraine. Says that 'there is the problem of attacks inside Russia's regions...The attacks mean to draw Russia's resources from elsewhere.' Putin: 'We have to strengthen our border...the possibility of shelling from Ukraine remains.' Declares that 'I don't think we need to declare martial law like in Ukraine.'

• Says that 'If attacks will continue, we will consider creating 'sanitary zone' inside Ukraine.' Unclear if this refers to plans for the formal establishment of a 'buffer zone' in the Ukrainian regions occupied by Russian troops. Acknowledges that 'We could have prepared better for attacks inside of Russia'.
• Following drone attacks on Moscow earlier in the months says that 'It is hard to detect drones by air defence systems' but that more air defences will be set up nontheless.
• Claims that there are Polish mercenaries fighting for Ukraine, but that 'they are sustaining big losses', adds that 'We have to fight enemy agents.'