Putin authorized the use of the army to protect detained Russians abroad

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a bill whose provisions allow, by decision of the head of state, the use of armed forces abroad to protect Russian citizens. The corresponding document has been posted on the official portal for the publication of legal acts.

The bill provides for amendments to Article 6 of the federal law "On Citizenship of the Russian Federation" and Article 10 of the federal law "On Defense," allowing the implementation of said actions.

According to the document, the armed forces, by decision of the president, may be engaged in carrying out tasks to protect Russian citizens who have been arrested, detained, or subjected to criminal or other prosecution by decisions of foreign courts. The latter applies only to courts in which Russia does not participate and whose jurisdiction is not based on an international treaty with Russia or on a United Nations Security Council resolution.

In addition, by decision of the president, Russian government authorities may take necessary measures to protect citizens within the limits of their powers.