Russia Authorizes Use of Armed Forces Overseas to Defend Detained Citizens

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law the provisions of which allow the use of the Russian armed forces abroad to protect Russian citizens. The document was published on the official legal information portal. The legislation introduces amendments to Article 6 of the federal law "On Citizenship of the Russian Federation” and Article 10 of the federal law "On Defense,” allowing such actions to be carried out. Protection of Russians Facing Foreign Prosecution According to the document, by presidential decision the armed forces may be tasked with protecting Russian citizens who have been arrested, detained, or subjected to criminal or other forms of prosecution under the rulings of foreign courts.