Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Wednesday the capital’s life would remain “normal” after President Vladimir Putin introduced measures that could see transport restricted and increased security in the city of 12.5 million.
While introducing martial law in four Ukrainian regions, Putin also placed several Russian regions — including Moscow — on “increased alert”.
The decree could limit transport and strengthen public order in the capital.
“I need to say that at the moment, no measures that would limit the normal rhythm of life are being introduced,” said Sobyanin, who has tried to keep a business-as-usual approach in the capital.
“The tasks of ensuring the stability of the economy, security measures, coordination of forces and means of response, civil defence, protection from emergencies etc will be solved by the relevant federal and city services,” the mayor said on Telegram.
The Russian capital has been deeply affected by an exodus of Western businesses from its streets and parts of its middle class leaving the city since Putin announced a mobilisation.
Putin also put Moscow-annexed Crimea and several southern Russian regions under new security measures, that could also include restricted movement.
But the governor of the Rostov region, included in the category, Vasily Golubev, said that nothing for locals will change.
“I stress that there are no particular changes for citizens,” he said on Telegram.
“There is no ban on movement in the region.”
