Russia's State Duma Passes Controversial Law

The President of Russia will be able to use troops to protect Russians abroad.

The State Duma has passed a law allowing Vladimir Putin to deploy forces overseas to protect Russian citizens if they face arrest or criminal prosecution from foreign courts whose jurisdiction Moscow does not recognize.

The document is aimed at “unfriendly states” and complements existing norms that allow the president to deploy troops in response to threats to Russia’s interests. The decision comes against the backdrop of NATO warnings about potential provocations and military clashes with Europe.

Intelligence agencies from Germany, Denmark, the USA, and the Netherlands have announced preparations by the Kremlin for regional conflict, possible use of nuclear blackmail, and a “Crimea scenario” in the Baltic region.