The Russian State Duma has passed a law prohibiting the extradition of foreign citizens and stateless persons who served under contract in the Russian Armed Forces or participated in combat operations, including in Ukraine, to other states for criminal prosecution or sentence enforcement.

The bill was approved in its first reading on January 21. It amends Article 464 of the Criminal Code, allowing Russia to reject requests related to military service or participation in combat actions.

In Russia, foreigners have been permitted to sign contracts for military service since November 2022. They are also offered a simplified citizenship process: combat participants can apply for Russian citizenship without passing exams in Russian language, history, and legislation, and without a five-year residence permit requirement.

In Uzbekistan, participation in combat operations abroad is classified as mercenarism and can be punished with up to 10 years of imprisonment.

Source: podrobno.uz