President Vladimir Putin is seeking to withdraw Russia’s recognition of a Geneva Conventions provision on protecting victims of war.
Spurred by Russian lawmakers, Putin issued a decree Wednesday revoking the Soviet Union’s statement accompanying its 1989 adoption of the additional protocol to the conventions. Adopted in 1977, Protocol I to the 1949 Geneva Conventions aims to protect victims of international conflicts.
A draft bill Putin submitted to the lower house of parliament Thursday cites “exceptional circumstances affecting Russia’s interests and requiring urgent action.”
Putin argued that a fact-finding commission established under the protocol is technically defunct and lacks Russian representation despite annual fees paid by Moscow.
“Additionally, in the current international environment, the risks of abusing the commission's powers for political purposes by unscrupulous states are increasing significantly,” he wrote.
Putin’s authorship of the draft bill will likely ensure its swift passage in parliament, which is controlled by a pro-Putin party.
The United States has signed but not ratified the protocol.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
