Bill allowing foreigners with criminal records to sign contract with Russian military submitted to State Duma

A bill allowing foreigners with a criminal record to sign a contract with Russia’s Defense Ministry has been introduced to the Russian State Duma, according to a document posted on its legislation portal.

The bill’s authors mention that in June 2023, the authorities permitted Russian citizens with criminal records to sign contracts to serve in Russia’s Armed Forces, as well as those who committed crimes of minor or medium severity.

“Taking into account that, in accordance with current legislation, foreign nationals also have the right to sign a contract for military service in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, we consider it appropriate to extend similar conditions to them,” reads the document.

According to the bill’s authors, the proposed changes will expand the possibilities for recruiting people for Russia’s Armed Forces and will contribute to “achieving the goals of the SVO.”