The State Duma has approved in the first reading a bill that would allow the Russian Armed Forces to be used to protect Russian citizens arrested abroad.

The measure applies to cases in which court rulings are issued at the request of another state without Russia’s participation, as well as to situations where such a court has no authority under an international treaty with the Russian Federation or a resolution of the UN Security Council.

According to the bill’s stated purpose, it is aimed at protecting Russian citizens from unlawful actions by unfriendly states. The government submitted the document to the State Duma in March. The explanatory note says the president has the right to take measures предусмотренные by law when the decisions and actions of foreign or international bodies run counter to Russia’s interests and the foundations of its public legal order.

State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin argued that the Western justice system had effectively turned into a tool of repression against those deemed undesirable. In his view, disregard for international norms, crude interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, and unlawful persecution of individuals have become routine in the West.

Political analyst Ilya Ukhov said the proposed changes are primarily aimed at specific, targeted situations and would make it possible to free Russians who come under threat from unfriendly countries in international waters or on foreign territory.