The State Duma is preparing to review a proposal that would curb overseas travel for deputies and other government officials amid a special military operation. The initiative was put forward by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the private military company Wagner, and was brought to light by Vasily Piskarev, who chairs the State Duma Committee on Security and Anti-Corruption. The information comes from TASS, the Russian state news agency.
Piskarev described Prigozhin’s proposal as a topic that warrants serious consideration. He noted that the idea centers on tightening the rules surrounding the international movement of lawmakers and officials and strengthening oversight of their ethical conduct while in office. The deputy emphasized that discussions on potential legislative changes would involve colleagues from other relevant committees to assess the appropriateness and feasibility of such measures.
According to Piskarev, the matter extends beyond mere bureaucratic control and touches on broader questions of personal discipline, organizational integrity, and public accountability. He referenced the stance of United Russia on ethics, pointing out that the party has processes in place to review alleged misconduct and to take action when violations are substantiated, including possible removal from positions. This reflects the party’s attempt to balance individual responsibilities with the expectations placed on elected officials and state custodianship.
Earlier, on February 1, Prigozhin reportedly discussed with Piskarev the possibility of prohibiting Russian officials and deputies from appearing abroad during the period of the NVO. He argued that travel restrictions would protect the country’s reputation and could be necessary for state security, especially given the sensitive nature of ongoing operations. The exchange underscores the tension between public perception, national security concerns, and the rights and duties of public figures in times of conflict. The government and parliament are now weighing how far such limitations should extend and how best to implement them while ensuring due process and proportionality. At stake are questions about enforceability, exemptions, and the potential impact on international diplomacy and domestic governance.