Russian Parliament Passes Law Allowing Military Action to Protect Russians Abroad

Russia's State Duma has approved legislation granting President Vladimir Putin authority to deploy military forces to protect Russian citizens who are arrested, detained, or facing criminal prosecution in foreign countries. The new law expands presidential powers to use the armed forces beyond Russia's borders under the pretext of defending Russian nationals. The legislation comes amid ongoing international efforts to hold Russian officials, including Putin himself, accountable for war crimes and other alleged violations of international law, with several countries having issued arrest warrants or expressed willingness to detain Russian leaders if they enter their territory.