Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a package of amendments to the penal code on military service today. The new law says that desertion or non-compliance by Russian soldiers and those who voluntarily surrender to the enemy will be punished with five to 10 years in prison.
According to the Tass agency, there is also a 15-year prison sentence for desertion during mobilization or martial law.
The change in legislation had already been approved by the Russian parliament last week and comes just days after Russia announced a partial mobilization of reserve troops to fight in Ukraine.
Earlier, Moscow also announced that it has replaced its highest military commander in logistics matters, Army General Dmitry Bulgakov. The deputy defense minister was dismissed and replaced by General Mikhail Mizintsev.
According to the state agency Interfax, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the measure.
The note adds that “Bulgakov was transferred to a new mission”, while Mizintsev would be “responsible for the material and technical supply of the armed forces” while Russia was in the middle of the mobilization campaign.
According to Ukrainian media, Mizintsev was nicknamed the “Butcher of Mariupol” for the devastating attacks on the Ukrainian city and his brutal behavior towards the civilian population during the attack. The general has even been affected by Western sanctions in recent months. (ANSA).
source: Noticias
