Russian President to Deploy Troops to Other Countries: New Law Passed

The State Duma of the Russian Federation has approved a new legislative initiative in the first reading, expanding the legal grounds for the deployment of the Russian army abroad. According to the new draft, the President of the Russian Federation will have the ability to send troops to other countries to ensure the protection of Russian citizens living or present there.

Andrei Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, commented on this process, stating that it could be viewed as information preparation for possible new conflicts. According to him, such legal formulations are often used as an additional tool to exert pressure on neighboring countries, particularly the Baltic states.

According to the main provisions of the draft, military intervention will be viable in cases where Russian citizens abroad are subjected to criminal prosecution or arrests that Moscow deems illegal or prosecutorial. This implies that any legal process aimed at Russians could become a pretext for the use of military force.

Experts note that this move fits into the context of increasing tension between Russia and NATO member states. While official Moscow presents the draft as a guarantee of protecting its citizens' rights, it is perceived in international analytical circles as preparation for a new phase of possible escalation and a combination of “soft power” with military threats.