Kremlin boosts military authority to shield citizens abroad

President of Russia Vladimir Putin has approved legislation authorizing the use of the Armed Forces to protect Russian citizens detained under rulings issued by foreign courts without Moscow’s involvement.

The law has been published on the country’s official legal information portal and is scheduled to enter into force within ten days, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The legislation was drafted by the government on instructions from the Kremlin and is intended to serve as a preventive mechanism, according to the chair of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building, Andrey Klishas.

Russian officials say the measure is aimed at safeguarding the rights and interests of Russian citizens abroad in cases where judicial rulings are issued without Russia’s participation.

The Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation stated that the adoption of the law would contribute to strengthening Russia’s international standing and prestige.

By Vafa Guliyeva