Putin Bans Extradition of Foreigners Who Served in the Russian Army

9 March 2026, 0:00

President Putin has signed a law prohibiting the extradition of foreigners or stateless persons for criminal prosecution or the enforcement of sentences if they are currently serving or have served under contract in the Russian army or “other military formations” of Russia.

The document states that extradition is also prohibited for those who participated in combat operations during their service.

The State Duma approved the law on February 26, and the Federation Council passed it on March 4.

Foreigners were granted the right to sign contracts to serve in the Russian army in November 2022, while stateless persons gained this right in July 2023. In the summer of 2024, Alexander Bastrykin, head of the Investigative Committee, stated that around 10,000 migrants with Russian citizenship had already participated in the military operation in Ukraine.

Since January 2024, foreigners who signed contracts to serve in the Russian army before the end of the military operation in Ukraine, as well as their family members, can obtain Russian citizenship through a simplified process.

They are also exempt from the requirement to have lived in Russia on a residence permit for five years.

Additionally, since November 2024, foreigners and stateless persons who participated in combat operations in Ukraine can apply for Russian citizenship based on a discharge order from the Russian army or a commission decision declaring the applicant unfit for contract service.

This is a strong and fair piece of legislation. Bravo!

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