Russian parliament's lower chamber, the State Duma, on December 12 approved in its final reading a bill allowing the National Guard to have its own volunteer groups that can take part in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The bill also would allow the recruiting of young soldiers to the Federal Security Service and criminalize the distribution of "fake" information about National Guard troops involved in the war in Ukraine. The bill amends existing laws on the distribution of fake news about Russian armed forces and discrediting them. The laws envision a punishment of up to 15 years in prison. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Siberia.Realities, click here.
Russian Lawmakers Approve In Final Reading Bill Allowing National Guard To Hire Volunteers
Russian National Guard soldiers walk in Moscow on December 4.