Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has signed a law allowing the use of the Russian Armed Forces outside the country to "protect" Russian citizens arrested or prosecuted under the decisions of foreign and international courts without Russia's participation. The document was published on the official portal of legal information of the Russian Federation, UNN reports.
The law states that it was adopted "for the purpose of protecting the rights of citizens of the Russian Federation" in the event of arrest, detention, or criminal prosecution based on decisions of foreign courts or international bodies whose jurisdiction Russia does not recognize.
This refers, in particular, to judicial bodies whose powers are not based on international treaties of the Russian Federation or UN Security Council resolutions.
As noted in the conclusion of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security, the law provides for the "possibility of involving the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in performing tasks using weaponry for purposes other than their intended use to protect citizens of the Russian Federation" by decision of the President of the Russian Federation.
The document also establishes that state bodies of the Russian Federation must take necessary measures to protect such citizens within the scope of their powers.
The law will come into force 10 days after its official publication.