Russian lawmakers vote to give governors authority to create paramilitary companies

The Russian State Duma passed the second and third readings of legislation on Tuesday that, once approved by senators and signed by the president, will raise the upper age limit for conscription from 27 to 30.

In addition to the age change, the bill contains amendments to a federal law on weapons sales that would grant regional governors the authority to create paramilitary companies with the president’s approval during mobilization, wartime, and martial law.

Funding for these companies would come from the federal and regional budgets, and their members would receive small arms with ammunition.

“Employees of the companies have the right to terminate the operation of unmanned aerial, underwater, and surface vessels and devices, unmanned transport vehicles, and other automated unmanned systems in order to repel attacks,” reads the bill.