On May 25, the illegitimate president of the aggressor country, Russia, Vladimir Putin, signed a law that expands his powers and allows the use of the Russian armed forces to “protect Russian citizens abroad.” This was reported by The Moscow Times.
The media recalled that the head of the State Duma Defense Committee, Andrei Kartapolov, connected the initiative with recent cases abroad, including the case of archaeologist Alexander Butyagin, detained in Poland. He was later released.
According to a number of lawyers, the law may also be related to the possible protection or escort of Russian vessels under sanctions, including the so-called shadow fleet.
The Bell wrote that the document is partially compared with American laws on the protection of citizens and military personnel abroad, especially against the backdrop of a conflict with international judicial structures, including the International Criminal Court, which previously issued an arrest warrant for Putin.
The media also recalled that back in 2022, before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia had already expanded the possibilities of using the army abroad by decision of the Federation Council.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine commented on the document even at the stage of its adoption by the State Duma. Foreign Ministry speaker Georgy Tikhy then stated that the new Russian law legalizes possible military interventions under the pretext of “protecting Russians,” and called it a manifestation of Moscow’s aggressive policy, as well as potential evidence for international investigations.
