Putin authorizes use of military force to protect Russians abroad
Vladimir Putin / Sputnik
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law allowing the use of the Russian Armed Forces outside the country to protect Russian citizens. The measure applies to cases in which Russians are detained, arrested or prosecuted under decisions made by foreign courts.
The new provisions were added to Russia’s laws on citizenship and defense. Under the document, the decision to deploy the military in such situations will be made by the Russian president. In addition, Russian state authorities will be able to take “necessary measures” to protect citizens within the limits of their powers.
Members of the State Duma said the law was needed to prevent situations similar to the arrest in Poland of Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin. The law has already been approved by both chambers of the Russian parliament.
Russia has previously used the "protection of Russian citizens and Russian speakers" abroad as a justification for military interventions, including during the 2008 war with Georgia and the 2014 annexation of Crimea. The Kremlin has repeatedly framed such measures as necessary to defend compatriots outside Russia.
