Putin says the decision to invade Ukraine was “difficult” and does not plan to enact martial law in Russia

On Saturday, during a meeting with flight attendants of the Russian airline Aeroflot, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the decision to launch a military attack in Ukraine was “difficult”. The Kremlin also said it does not plan to implement martial law in Russia, responding to persistent rumors to that effect after the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine.

“I said that at the beginning of the process and before the decision was made. A difficult decision, there is no doubt,” Putin declared.

Martial law applies […] In the event of aggression, especially in the areas where the battles took place. “We don’t have such a situation and I hope that won’t happen,” the president said.

There were rumors in Russia about the possibility of mobilization and the introduction of martial law. He declared that “there are attempts to destabilize society.”

According to the Russian leader, only professional soldiers and officers are involved in military operations in Ukraine, and the Kremlin does not plan to call up the reserve division.

Aeroflot has been hit hard by Western sanctions against Russia since its forces entered Ukraine on February 24.