Russian lawmakers have passed a bill banning 'childfree propaganda' to boost birth rates and promote traditional family values. The legislation, which imposes fines for promoting childlessness, is part of broader efforts to address Russia's demographic challenges. Critics argue the bill's vague language could restrict education on reproductive health. The bill awaits further approval before becoming law.
Russian lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow the state to seize property from individuals who criticize Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, even if they have left the country. The proposed law, dubbed "the scoundrel law" by a close Putin ally, aims to impose harsher penalties on those who speak out against the war. Critics have likened the move to the tactics of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin and fear it could impact thousands of Russians who have opposed Moscow's actions in Ukraine.
The Russian Interior Ministry has drafted a law proposing that foreigners visiting Russia sign an "agreement of loyalty," which would prohibit them from hindering the activities of Russian authorities, discrediting state policies, denying traditional family values, or showing disrespect for Russian cultural values. The proposal is expected to be sent to the State Duma for consideration, although it is unclear if a physical agreement form would be required. A similar proposal in 2021 did not progress beyond the Interior Ministry.
The State Duma, the lower house of Russia's parliament, has given initial approval to legislation that would allow the Defence Ministry to sign contracts with suspected or convicted criminals to fight in Ukraine. The proposed changes would allow contracts to be signed with individuals being investigated for committing a crime, having their case heard in court, or after being convicted but before the verdict takes legal effect. Those convicted of sexual crimes, treason, terrorism, or extremism would not be eligible. The Wagner mercenary group was previously allowed to recruit convicts from prisons to fight in Ukraine but said in February it had stopped.
Chechen lawmaker and close ally of leader Ramzan Kadyrov, Adam Delimkhanov, was reportedly wounded or possibly killed on the battlefield in Ukraine. Conflicting reports have emerged about his condition, with Kadyrov appealing to Ukrainian authorities for help in locating him. Delimkhanov had been seen in a video just a day earlier declaring that Chechen fighters would cross over to "liberate the Ukrainians from the LGBT, satanist, and fascist regime." The situation has raised questions about Delimkhanov's condition and Kadyrov's inability to locate his own cousin.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new law establishing electronic draft call-up procedures, aimed at making military mobilisation more efficient and closing loopholes. The law was endorsed by the State Duma lower house of parliament and is expected to streamline the process of drafting soldiers into the military.
The Russian parliament has passed a controversial bill tightening military draft rules in just 23 minutes, paving the way for a second wave of mobilization. The bill was rushed through the State Duma with unusual speed and secrecy, with several lawmakers complaining they were only shown the full text an hour before the session began. The law requires men eligible for military service to show up to recruitment offices after receiving an online summons and blocks anyone eligible for military service who has received a summons from leaving the country. The secrecy surrounding the bill and the nature of the media coverage were an attempt to minimize negative publicity that could dent Putin’s popularity.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree for the spring conscription campaign, calling up 147,000 people for mandatory military service from April 1 to July 15, which is 12.5 thousand more than last year. The draft age is currently between 18 and 27, but the State Duma is considering a bill to raise the maximum age to 30 and the minimum age to 21.
