In A Sign That The Ukraine War Is About To Expand, Russia's Duma (Parliament) Approves A Bill To Toughen Punishments For Crimes During Wartime

The bill was approved on September 20 amid debates among Russian authorities and regional governors about a possible military mobilization, a move that could significantly escalate the war in Ukraine. (file photo) 

RFE: Russian Lawmakers Approve Bill Toughening Punishment For Crimes During Mobilization 

Russia's lower chamber of parliament, the State Duma, has approved a bill that toughens punishments for desertion, damage to military property, looting, defection, and insubordination if they are committed during military mobilization or combat situations as the country continues its ongoing unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. 

The bill was approved on September 20 amid debates among Russian authorities and regional governors about a possible military mobilization, a move that could significantly escalate the war in Ukraine, which is now in its seventh month. 

In the article about the crimes, the approved bill replaced the phrase "during armed conflicts or military actions" with "in the period of mobilization or the state of martial law, as well as during war time or while armed conflict and combat activities are under way."  

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WNU Editor: These new laws tell me that the Russian government is expecting the war in Ukraine to intensify and expand in the coming weeks and months. 

Update: The Russian parliament is also signaling that the Ukrainian separatist regions could become a part of the Russian Federation within hours if they vote yes in this week's referendums .... Duma could act fast to make decisions on incorporating new regions into Russia — lawmaker (TASS). More here .... Referendum to legally enshrine Donbass as part of Russia, senator says (TASS). 

Russia's Duma (Parliament) Approves A Bill To Toughen Punishments For Crimes During Wartime  

Duma sets jail terms of up to 15 years for coercion to violate military service duties -- TASS  

Russia to toughen punishment for crimes during wartime -- RT  

Russian Lawmakers Approve Long Jail Terms for Military Surrender, Refusal to Serve -- Moscow Times  

Russian Duma introduces concepts of ‘mobilization’ and ‘martial law’ into Criminal Code, as well as articles on looting and surrender -- Meduza  

Russian lawmaker reveals mobilization plans -- RT  

Russia toughens punishment for crimes like desertion, insubordination during military mobilization -- Reuters  

Russian lawmakers toughen punishment for soldiers -- AP  

Russian Troops Now to Get Tough Punishment If They Surrender in Ukraine -- 19FortyFive