The Kremlin Press Service reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin has made an appeal to Federation Council on the potential use of the armed forces of the Russian Federation in the territory of Ukraine to stabilize the socio-political situation.
The appeal states as follows: “Due to the extraordinary situation in Ukraine, the threats to the lives of Russian citizens, our compatriots, the personnel of the Russian military contingent stationed in Ukrainian territory (in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea) in accordance with international agreements, pursuant to [the fourth paragraph] of Part 1 of Article 102 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, I appeal to the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation to allow for the use the armed forces of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine until the social and political situation in the country stabilizes.”
Use of Russian Armed Forces abroad
The use of armed forces and other troops may be authorized in peacetime by a decision of the Russian President in accordance with the procedure established by federal law. The decision on possible use Russian armed forces outside the territory of the Russian Federation falls within the jurisdiction of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation in accordance with Article 102 of the Russian Constitution. The Federation Council considers the question of use of armed forces outside the territory of Russian upon receipt of an appeal from the President of the Russian Federation setting out the rationale for the proposed use of force.
In accordance with the provisions of the Military Doctrine of Russia, the Russian Federation considers it lawful to use armed forces and other troops to repel aggression against Russia and/or its allies, to maintain or restore peace in accordance with a decision of the UN Security Council or other collective security structures, and to ensure the security of its citizens residing outside Russian in accordance with the universally recognized principles and norms of international law and treaties entered into by the Russian Federation.
Once the Federation Council receives an appeal from the President regarding potential use of armed forces outside Russia, it ordinarily considers the question during its next session. If, however, an urgent decision is required, the decision may be considered at an extraordinary session. Discussion takes place in a closed session unless decided otherwise.
Under the Regulations of the Federation Council, consideration of the question of using the Russian Federation’s armed forces outside of Russian begins with a report by the President or on behalf of the President by an authorised representative; the conclusion is then announced to the Defense and Security Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee the Federation Council. The decision on the possible use of Russian armed forces outside the territory of Russia is made by a majority vote of all members of the Federation Council and is issued by a resolution of the Federation Council, which is to be provided, within two days, to the President.
SOURCE http://ria.ru/politics/20140301/997687424.html
Translated by Mariya Shtangrat
Edited by Jana Kubalova and Lesia Stangret
