The Insider: The Russian State Duma has banned the extradition of foreigners who have signed contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense but have committed crimes abroad
The Russian government had proposed related amendments as early as last November, and the lawmakers recently passed them unanimously in the third reading.
According to the new law, Russia has the right to refuse to extradite citizens suspected of criminal offenses to foreign countries.
The law aims to protect mercenaries from multiple countries - these countries prohibit their citizens from serving in foreign armies or participating in foreign military operations. For example, in Kazakhstan alone, more than 700 criminal cases were filed against people serving in the Russian army in 2025. Iraq, South Africa, Kenya, Nepal, India are also investigating cases of recruitment into the Russian military.
The Russian State Duma also plans to ease penalties for foreigners who commit crimes within Russia but have contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense:
- No longer deporting them
- Replace with fines and compulsory labor
- Cannot prohibit entry
- Cannot refuse to issue or extend a residence permit
According to Ukrainian intelligence data, during the four-year war, at least 18,000 foreigners from 128 countries fought for Russia, of whom about 4,000 have died.
Military analysts believe that the current conscription speed cannot make up for personnel losses, so the Russian Ministry of Defense is increasingly relying on foreign mercenaries.
The new law will help attract more overseas volunteers and protect those who have committed war crimes on the front lines.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1858257184450560/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.