Russia Implements Stringent Measures to Strengthen Military and Legal System.

Russian lawmakers are considering making it a criminal offense to comply with International Criminal Court (ICC) orders to arrest President Vladimir Putin for war crimes. The Duma submitted amendments to Russia’s security law granting Putin the authority to “protect citizens in the case of decisions by foreign international bodies that contradict Russian legislation.” Russia’s Criminal Code is also being amended to introduce harsher penalties for aiding the execution of orders by international organizations. Russia is not an ICC member, making it unclear how the Hague-based court plans to enforce its warrant for Putin's arrest.