Russia: New law expands presidential powers for military intervention abroad (legrandcontinent.eu)

• Putin signed Federal Law No. 149-FZ on May 25, 2026
• Law authorizes military force to protect Russian citizens from foreign prosecution
• Explicitly targets ICC, which issued arrest warrant for Putin
• Could also cover protection of Russia's shadow fleet
• Analysts warn Baltic states may be at risk of pretext for intervention
• Broad wording allows any form of prosecution to trigger military action

"On May 25, 2026, Putin signed Federal Law No. 149-FZ, amending citizenship and defense laws to authorize the military to protect Russian citizens facing criminal prosecution abroad, targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC). The law allows the president to deploy armed forces for non-standard missions, effectively threatening military action against states enforcing ICC warrants. Analysts warn the vague wording could also cover protection of Russia's 'shadow fleet' and serve as a legal pretext for intervention in Baltic states, echoing narratives of persecution of Russian speakers."