Putin authorised foreigners to serve in Russian army

Putin signed a decree allowing Russians with dual citizenship to be conscripted.

The relevant document was released on the Russian Federation’s official legal information website.

The document amends the procedure for military service. The decree regulates military service for Russian citizens who have dual citizenship or a residence permit confirming their right to reside in the territory of a foreign state.

Previously, only citizens of the Russian Federation could serve in the Russian army.

In September, the State Duma of the Russian Federation adopted a law on simplifying the acquisition of Russian citizenship to the foreigners, who have signed a military service contract. Such foreigners were allowed to apply for Russian citizenship without a residence permit.

In Moscow, the authorities immediately launched centers for hiring foreigners for military service.

Previously, in May, Putin signed a decree that canceled the age limit for signing a contract with the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for both Russian citizens and foreigners.

In addition, Wagner PMC actively recruits prisoners for the service. Recruitment in prisons is carried out personally by the owner of a private military company Yevgeny Prigozhin.