Russia is preparing a 'loyalty agreement' requirement for foreigners

This agreement prohibits criticism of Russia's policies, discrediting Soviet military history, or contravening traditional family values. This move comes amid a series of strict laws enacted since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, including penalties for discrediting the military.

As the 2024 presidential election nears, President Putin portrays the conflict as a battle against Western decadence, emphasizing the defense of Russia's "sacred" civilization. The TASS state news agency reports that the draft legislation necessitates foreigners to refrain from interfering with Russian public authorities or discrediting state policies and officials. The agreement also includes clauses on morality, family values, and history, specifically barring the distortion of the Soviet role in World War II.

It's unclear which foreigners the law would apply to or the consequences of violating the agreement. The Kremlin has not commented on this initiative, but the tightening of restrictions on dissent is evident, especially in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The draft must pass through the State Duma and receive President Putin's signature to become law. Leonid Kalashnikov, chairman of the Duma's CIS Affairs Committee, states that the draft is near completion, involving collaboration from the interior ministry, government, and presidential administration. However, as of now, the law has not been formally introduced in parliament.

This development is part of Russia's broader strategy to restrict foreigners from "unfriendly countries" since the start of the Ukraine conflict, including those nations that have imposed sanctions on Russia.