MOSCOW, July 14 (RAPSI) – President of Russia Vladimir Putin on Thursday signed a bill equating adhering to the enemy in wartime with treason into law.

Under the law, participation of a Russian citizen on the side of foreign troops against the Russian Federation in an armed conflict, hostilities, or other actions with the use of weapons and military equipment will be punishable by prison terms ranging from 12 to 20 years and fines of up to 500,000 rubles ($8,500).

The same punishment is envisaged for providing financial, logistical, consulting, or other assistance to a foreign state, international or foreign organization or their representatives in activities directed against the security of Russia.

Amendments are introduced in the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.