Translation disclaimer: machine-assisted translation may contain inaccuracies. Always refer to the original source for authoritative text.
The State Duma, at a plenary session, passed in the second and third readings amendments to the Federal Law "On Free Legal Aid in the Russian Federation" concerning the provision of such aid to persons seeking recognition as refugees or internally displaced persons.
The law establishes the right of persons — from the moment of the start of the special military operation and the introduction of martial law in the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics [the two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine formally annexed by Russia in 2022] and Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts — to receive free legal aid on matters relating to the granting of temporary asylum, recognition as refugees, or acquisition of Russian citizenship.
As noted by Irina Pankina, co-author of the amendments and Deputy Chairwoman of the Committee on State Administration and Legislation, persons already covered under the right to free legal aid include participants in the special military operation and their close relatives, large families, and others.