Russian citizens who also have foreign citizenship or a residence permit abroad will be able to be drafted into the Russian Armed Forces. This follows a decree by Russian President Vladimir Putin published on Monday, which amends the Regulation on the Procedure of Military Service.

The new wording of the document reads that conscription is carried out by "soldiers, sailors, sergeants, petty officers who are citizens of [Russia - ed.] including those who have citizenship (nationality) of a foreign country or residence permit or other document confirming the right of permanent residence of a citizen on the territory of a foreign country."

Previously only persons who were citizens of Russia could serve under the draft (foreigners could and still do serve under contract at the rank of soldiers, sailors, sergeants, and petty officers).