The State Duma passed a bill allowing military personnel to participate in peacekeeping activities at the first reading, among volunteers with preliminary special training. It has been reported interfax.
Currently, according to Russian law, the peacekeeping unit is only allowed to consist of military personnel serving on a contract basis; conscripts cannot participate in peacekeeping missions.
The conclusion of the State Duma Defense Committee states that the adoption of these changes will increase the country’s ability to attract military personnel sent to participate in peacekeeping activities.
In February, the Russian Ministry of Defense suggested to expand the categories of military that can voluntarily participate in the country’s peacekeeping missions, albeit at the expense of conscripts. This bill was adopted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Emergencies, the FSB, the FSO, the Foreign Intelligence Service, the National Guard, the Presidential Special Programs Main Directorate and other departments.