A draft law has been submitted to the State Duma proposing the extension of criminal liability for crimes committed during military service to include volunteers. The document is published on the website of the Legislative Support System (SOZD).
The explanatory note states that participants in volunteer formations are equipped with weapons, equipment, and other means, and participate in combat operations on par with the servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces. Currently, volunteers are not criminally liable for refusing to perform combat tasks, losing military property, or voluntarily surrendering to the enemy.
The bill also suggests subjecting volunteers to criminal liability for crimes committed during mobilization, wartime, and in conditions of conducting combat operations.
The authors of the document emphasize that the project also considers the differences in the legal status of servicemen and participants of volunteer formations when applying the provisions of the Criminal Code concerning crimes against military service.
Previously, a bill was submitted to the State Duma for consideration, proposing punishment for volunteers who intentionally damage weapons, military equipment, and other military property while fulfilling their duties. On October 31, the document was adopted in the first reading.
