FM Lavrov also informed Marco Rubio that Russia was launching systematic strikes on facilities in Kiev.

On Monday, President Vladimir Putin signed a law that authorizes the use of the Russian army to protect Russian citizens convicted or arrested by foreign courts or international tribunals. The law is expected to come into force ten days after its official publication.

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The Russian armed forces could, within their authority, be involved in protecting Russian citizens who are arrested, detained or otherwise prosecuted under decisions by foreign courts acting on behalf of other states without Russia’s participation, and whose jurisdiction is not based on an international treaty involving Russia or a resolution of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Earlier, Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin stated that the law is necessary to protect Russians because “Western justice has turned into a repressive machine for punishing those who disagree with the decisions imposed by Eurocrats.” 

Meanwhile, on Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov informed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Russia was launching systematic strikes on facilities in Kiev used by the Ukrainian military.

Lavrov conveyed the message on the instructions of President Putin, saying the strikes were a response to alleged Ukrainian attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure on Russian territory.

Lavrov also noted an earlier foreign ministry statement, recommending that the U.S., along with foreign diplomatic missions, ensure the evacuation of diplomatic personnel and other citizens from Kiev.

Lavrov and Rubio also reaffirmed their intention to intensify efforts to normalize the operation of U.S. and Russian diplomatic missions on each other’s territories despite existing disagreements. 

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