New Russian bill would target foreigners aiding ‘adversaries’ with up to 15 years in prison

A committee in Russia's State Duma has proposed a new article for the Criminal Code that would make it a felony for foreign nationals to provide support to Russia’s “adversaries” from within the country, Mediazona reported on Friday.

The amendment was introduced during the second reading of a bill aimed at toughening penalties for armed rebellion.

Under the proposed legislation, individuals charged with providing “financial, material-technical, consulting, or other forms of assistance” to one of Russia’s “adversaries” could face 10–15 years in prison and a fine of up to 500,000 rubles (approximately $5,000).

The bill defines an “adversary” as “a foreign state or an international or foreign organization directly opposing the Russian Federation in armed conflicts, military actions, or other activities involving weapons and military equipment.”

Additionally, the bill seeks to broaden the definition of “defection to the adversary’s side.” This term would now encompass “participation within the adversary’s forces in an armed conflict” and “voluntary involvement in the activities of adversary authorities, institutions, enterprises, or organizations knowingly directed against Russia’s security.”