Vladimir Putin has signed a law that allows the use of the Armed Forces to protect Russian citizens abroad.

The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, has signed a law that grants him the right to use the Armed Forces to protect Russian citizens abroad, according to information provided by Meduza. Andrei Kartapolov, the chairman of the State Duma's Defense Committee, emphasized that this measure was inspired by the case of archaeologist Alexander Butiagin, who was detained in Poland but later released. Consulting lawyers have suggested that the law could aim to formalize the protection of Russian ships included on sanctions lists, which are currently escorted by the Russian Navy. The Bell compared this law to American legislation that protects military personnel and officials from the International Criminal Court, considering the arrest warrant issued for Putin. In February 2022, before the invasion of Ukraine, Putin had already obtained the right to deploy Russian armed forces abroad, a decision approved by the Federation Council.