Russia is preparing a law that will allow To Putin to use the Russian Armed Forces abroad to protect Russians prosecuted by foreign courts. The document has already been submitted to the State Duma.
Draft law on the extraterritorial use of the Russian Armed Forces
The Cabinet of Ministers of the Russian Federation has submitted to the State Duma a draft law that gives the president the right to use the Russian Armed Forces outside the country. The formal reason is «protection of Russians» who are allegedly subjected to illegal prosecution abroad.
The draft law provides for the possibility of extraterritorial use of the Russian army by the president's decision. This gives Putin a legal mechanism for military action outside Russia.
Detention of Russians in Poland and the Baltic States
Recently, a Russian scientist was arrested in Poland and is being prepared for extradition to Ukraine for trial. In the Baltic states, mass detentions of pro-Russian activists («zetniks») continue, and they are either being tried or deported.
These cases can be used by the Kremlin as a pretext for applying the new law and military action against NATO countries.
The threat of an attack on NATO
According to Russian media, the bill actually allows Putin to find formal reasons for attack on NATO countries at any time. This creates the risk of a direct military clash between Russia and the Alliance.
Against the backdrop of action Donald Trump there is uncertainty about the automatic application of NATO Article 5 in the event of an attack on one of the Alliance's countries.
Context.
The draft law was submitted against the backdrop of deteriorating relations between Russia and the West. The Baltic states and Poland have stepped up security measures due to the growing Russian military threat. The issue of NATO's collective security remains a key one for the region.
Ukrainian
English
