MOSCOW. Oct 23 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian State Duma has passed amendments to the law On Defense proposed by the president, which clear the way for using Russian armed forces abroad in certain situations.
The bill stipulates that Russian armed forces can be used abroad if this is necessary to repel an attack on Russian military units or other troops deployed outside the country, to repel or prevent an armed attack on another state asking Russia for such help, to defend Russian citizens abroad from an armed attack on them, and to combat marine piracy and ensure safe navigation.
If the bill is made into law, the president will be entitled to make a decision on using armed forces abroad based on a relevant Federation Council resolution. The president would also determine the strength of the troops to be used abroad, the areas of such use, the goals facing them, and the time during which they can fight abroad. The Defense Ministry will be responsible for providing such forces with necessary weapons, materiel, and personnel.