New Russian Law Grants President Military Authority
Russian Duma passed bill allowing use of armed forces abroad to protect citizens, 381 votes (84.7%). Defense Ministry drafted bill; approved April 14; Putin now has sole authority for military deployments. Andrei Kartapolov cited Alexander Butyagin's detention in Poland as justification for the bill. Bill modeled on American 'Hague Invasion Act' (2002). Lawyers suggest law may legalize escort ops for 'Shadow fleet' on sanctions lists. Law's purpose unclear; Putin already has authority under Article 8 of Federal Law; ICC has arrest warrants for Putin