Vasily Piskarev, who chairs the State Duma Committee on Security and Anti-Corruption, indicated that the committee is actively drafting amendments aimed at strengthening accountability for discrediting fighters, a category that now clearly includes volunteers who join on their own accord or through related organizations. The remarks, reported by TASS, underscore a shift in how authorities intend to define and enforce consequences for actions that undermine the credibility and safety of military personnel and volunteer units alike. The proposed changes are positioned within a broader framework of administrative and criminal provisions designed to deter misinformation, stigmatization, and public statements that could endanger those serving in military operations or supporting them on the ground. As the committee moves from discussion to concrete drafting, lawmakers signal a focus on improving the legal clarity surrounding disinformation, with a view toward preventing harm to individuals connected to the conflict effort and ensuring that public discourse aligns with national security priorities.
In a formal clarification on behalf of the chairman, the committee referenced Article 20.33 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, alongside provisions 207.3 and 280.3 of the Criminal Code, to articulate the scope of responsibility that could be expanded under the new measures. The language aims to create explicit grounds for attribution of liability to those who actively discredit fighters, including voluntary groups and other non-state participants who support or coordinate during operations. The emphasis lies in closing loopholes that could allow baseless attacks or misleading narratives to undermine morale, disrupt coordination, or provoke negative international attention. By outlining these distinctions clearly, the drafters hope to provide law enforcement with a more precise toolkit for response while maintaining proportional penalties that deter harmful conduct without infringing on legitimate public dialogue.
Earlier this year, a notable communication from the private sector of Russian military activity surfaced when Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of a well-known private military company, directed a letter to the Speaker of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin. The message recommended updating the Criminal Code to extend protections for volunteers involved in a special military operation, including individuals who may have prior convictions. The request reflects concerns about the safety and social standing of volunteers who take part in sanctioned or semi-sanctioned operations and the need to ensure that their contributions are safeguarded by legal norms. The push for enhanced protections aligns with ongoing debates about balancing national security objectives with the legal rights and reputational interests of those who support or participate in military efforts, regardless of their past histories.
Looking back to the prior year, the presidential administration underscored a firm stance on accountability by signing amendments to the Criminal Code, reaffirming penalties for fraud and other offenses connected to the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. This context helps illuminate why lawmakers are prioritizing measures to curb discrediting acts as part of a broader strategy to stabilize internal support for the armed forces and to maintain a coherent legal framework that can respond to evolving forms of interference or misinformation. The convergence of parliamentary initiative, executive action, and stakeholder discussions illustrates a comprehensive approach aimed at preserving discipline, protecting volunteers, and ensuring that legal responses keep pace with the changing landscape of information warfare and public discourse surrounding military operations.