There is no reason to declare martial law in Russia right now, President Vladimir Putin says.
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Imposing martial law would require external aggression or fighting in specific regions, Putin said in Moscow, according to Russian news agencies.
"But we do not have such a situation, and I hope it will not come," he said.
Some Russians worry that, should the authoritarian leader impose martial law, it would lead to a further crackdown on political dissent and the media.
There are reports of Russians already having left the country in fear Putin could take such a step.
Putin also repeated his conditions for an end to Russia's war on Ukraine, including the country's demilitarisation and that it become a neutral buffer between Europe and Russia.
According to Putin, the "destruction of military infrastructure" in Ukraine "as part of the operation... is practically complete, specifically mentioning weapons and ammunition depots".
Australian Associated Press
