ANALYSIS: Legal Shield for Foreign Fighters: Russia a Hideout for International Criminals?

Russia is moving to legally protect foreign nationals who join its military from being extradited or expelled – a step that, if enacted, would allow thousands of foreigners fighting for Moscow to avoid prosecution in their home countries.

The Russian government’s commission on legislative activity has approved a package of amendments prohibiting the extradition of foreign citizens and stateless persons who serve or have served under contract in the Russian Armed Forces or other military formations, including those taking part in hostilities in Ukraine. The measure also extends protection to individuals wanted or convicted abroad, banning their transfer “for criminal prosecution and the execution of sentences” requested by other states.

“The innovation provides for the refusal to extradite a person to a foreign state if the said person is a foreign citizen or a stateless person undergoing military service under contract … and who participated in combat operations,” Cherepanov said.