Russian parliament passes bill allowing Putin to invade foreign countries

Russia's parliament has passed legislation expanding Putin's authority to launch military operations against foreign countries, according to POLITICO Europe.

The bill arrives as Western officials express concern that Moscow could test NATO's commitment to collective defense. The measure formalizes expanded war powers for the Kremlin amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Experts warn the legislation signals potential Russian willingness to escalate beyond Ukraine's borders, particularly toward NATO member states in Eastern Europe.