Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed an amendment that provides for up to 10 years in prison for soldiers who leave or refuse to fight during mobilization, as is the case today. The act of looting is also punishable by a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
The legislative change comes as Russia this week decided to mobilize part of its reservists to fight in Ukraine, where Moscow’s forces have suffered setbacks in recent weeks. This mobilization order, which authorities say concerns 300,000 people, has raised concerns among many Russians, some choosing to leave the country.
Interesting former Soviet republic
According to the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin has also signed a law that facilitates access to Russian citizenship for foreigners who enlist for a period of at least one year in the army, without having to justify the five years of residence on Russian territory normally required.
The move appears to be aimed primarily at immigrants from former Soviet republics in Central Asia, who occupy the most difficult jobs in big cities, such as Moscow.
The mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin, also announced on Tuesday the upcoming opening of a recruitment office in the sprawling Sakharov administrative center, where travel is mandatory for migrants.
Even before Vladimir Putin signed the law, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan had asked their citizens this week not to take part in any conflict.
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