Russian President Vladimir Putin today signed an amendment to the law that provides for a 10-year prison sentence for those who desert or refuse to fight during military drafts.

In the middle of the week, Putin announced the partial mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists.

An amendment to the Criminal Code to toughen penalties for desertion was adopted this week by parliament and published on the government’s website, that is, it has already entered into force.

A 10-year prison term is provided for those who desert, go “without agreement” to the enemy, refuse to fight or disobey orders during periods of conscription. Looting is also punishable by imprisonment for up to 15 years.

According to the Kremlin, Putin also signed a law making it easier to grant Russian citizenship to foreigners who promise to serve at least one year in the military as Moscow tries to recruit more men for the war in Ukraine. Usually, to obtain citizenship, you need to live in Russia for at least five years. The measure appears to be aimed primarily at immigrants from the former Soviet republics of Central Asia who live in large cities and work in heavy and unhygienic jobs.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Monday that a “reception point” through which all migrants must pass will soon operate in the vast administrative center of Sakharov.

However, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan this week urged their citizens not to participate in any wars.

Source: APE-MPE, AFP.