On January 24, the State Duma of the Russian Federation will review the bill in the first reading that aims to confiscate property in cases tied to disinformation about the Russian army. This development is under discussion on the lower house’s official website, where lawmakers outline the proposed changes and the rationale behind them. The measure appears to be part of a broader effort to regulate propaganda and safeguard the reputational and operational integrity of Russia’s armed forces in the eyes of the public and international observers alike. The discussion emphasizes that the bill seeks to address activities that could undermine the army’s credibility, potentially affecting national morale and security. In this context, the parliament is framing the proposal as a tool to deter harmful misinformation that could fuel domestic unrest or erode confidence in military institutions, while also balancing civil rights considerations and due process.
First Deputy Speaker of the State Duma Alexander Zhukov stated that the first reading on January 24 will involve amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. He stressed that the initiative is designed with the aim of protecting Russia’s national interests and ensuring that freedoms within the Federation, as well as the rights of its citizens, are shielded from criminal schemes and threats to national security. The announcements suggest that the proposed changes include clear guidelines on how property seizures would be executed in the context of disinformation cases, along with procedures that would guarantee fair treatment and avenues for appeal. The emphasis remains on preventing abuse while providing authorities with enhanced tools to counteract disinformation campaigns that target the armed forces or related national-security concerns.
Zhukov also noted that deputies plan to consider a bill that would add guarantees for civil servants mobilized for military service or those who have signed a military service contract. The intention behind this component is to ensure that individuals who commit to national service receive protections consistent with their service obligations, while maintaining accountability for actions that could jeopardize defense operations. This aspect of the package appears to reflect a balance between safeguarding civil servants’ rights and reinforcing the legal framework that supports military readiness. The discussions imply an effort to codify protections, clarify due process, and set clear standards for the state’s response to disinformation that could interfere with mobilization and service.
Authors of the broader seizure proposal include Speaker of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin, Deputy Speaker Irina Yarovaya, head of the United Russia faction Vladimir Vasilyev, head of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation faction Gennady Zyuganov, head of the Fair Russia – For Truth faction Sergei Mironov, head of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation faction LDPR group Leonid Slutsky, and other deputies. The roster signals a unified approach from multiple blocs to address a pressing national concern, with leaders from various factions expressing a shared interest in defending the integrity of military information and countering fraud that could harm the armed forces or the state’s image. Their collaboration underscores a moment where parliamentary consensus is sought to lay down a more robust legal framework for combatting fraud and disinformation linked to the military.
Previously, the Investigative Committee and the Prosecutor General’s Office supported the draft law on seizure of counterfeit goods related to the Russian army, indicating that authorities see real value in removing items and assets tied to deceptive practices or fraud that could damage the military’s credibility. The evolving discussion reflects ongoing cooperation between legislative and executive branches to align statutory measures with national security priorities. It also points to a broader trend of tightening controls over information and material assets that may influence public perception and the effectiveness of defense organizations. The emphasis remains on safeguarding the state’s security interests while ensuring procedural safeguards are observed and that the rule of law is maintained in the process of identifying, seizing, and addressing fraudulent activities connected to military affairs.