The State Duma of Russia has approved in the first reading a new draft law aimed at expanding the powers of the President of the Russian Federation. The discussion surrounding the document has attracted significant attention in political circles.
According to the draft law, it is proposed to grant the President the authority to deploy troops and take appropriate measures against countries that are deemed to be “exerting pressure” on Russian citizens.
The explanatory note states that such measures are intended to protect Russian citizens in cases of arrest, detention, or criminal or other forms of prosecution by foreign states based on decisions of foreign courts.
This was reported by the Interfax news agency. The document also emphasizes that protecting Russian citizens and organizations in such situations is one of the state’s priority tasks.
Andrey Kartapolov, Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, supporting the draft law, stated that the proposed provisions are aimed at protecting the rights and legitimate interests of Russian citizens. According to him, such measures may be important in the context of external pressure and ongoing Russophobia campaigns.
According to the current Federal Law “On Security,” the President has the authority to take necessary measures to protect the country and its citizens when foreign or international bodies make decisions that contradict Russia’s interests.
At present, the draft law is at the discussion stage and is expected to be considered in more detail in the next readings.
Russia’s State Duma is effectively approving the expansion of the President’s ability to use military force against foreign states.
