Putin signed a law allowing foreign citizens to enlist in the Russian army

(Patria) - Foreign citizens will now be able to enlist in the Russian army, according to a law signed yesterday by President Vladimir Putin, TASS reported.

Amendments have been made to several legislative acts, including laws on military duty and military service, on defense, and on the status of military personnel.

According to the new law, stateless persons and foreigners will be able to sign contracts and serve in the army until the end of the mobilization period, the cessation of martial law, or the expiration of wartime.

The law comes into force from the date of its official publication. It was passed quickly "to take urgent additional measures to replenish the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation," the explanation states.