A law has been passed allowing Putin to use the military to protect Russians abroad

State Duma deputies today, on May 13, at the plenary session adopted in the second and third readings a law initiated by the government that allows the use of the Russian army to protect Russian citizens in the event of their arrest, criminal and other prosecution by courts of unfriendly foreign states.

Changes have been made to the federal laws "On Citizenship of the Russian Federation" and "On Defense".

In accordance with the law, by decision of the President of the Russian Federation, the Armed Forces of the country may be involved in the performance of tasks to protect Russian citizens arrested, detained or subjected to criminal or other prosecution by decisions of foreign courts or international judicial bodies in which Russia does not participate. Also, by the decision of the head of state, the necessary measures to protect such citizens will have to be taken by the state authorities of the Russian Federation within their powers.

As noted by the chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin, "Western "justice" has turned into a repressive machine to crack down on those who disagree with the decisions imposed by European officials."

"In these conditions, it is important to do everything so that our citizens abroad are protected," he said.

After the law is signed by Vladimir Putin, it will come into force 10 days after publication.