Chechen "Rosgvardiya" units sanctioned to have heavy military equipment

The Russian State Duma MPs have passed a law allowing the "Rosgvardiya" (Russian National Guard) units, including Chechen ones, to be armed with tanks and artillery.

According to the amendments to the Law "On National Guard Troops", the term "weapons" in it is changed to "armaments", and "combat equipment" – to "military equipment".

"The document suggests another wording of the chapter of the law on the use by 'Rosgvardiya' fighters of physical force, special means, weapons and military equipment. In particular, they will be able to use the equipment to free hostages, protect citizens, state officials and militaries, ensure security during mass riots and in emergency situations, stop motor vehicle, as well as to suppress the activities of illegal armed formation (IAFs), suppress the resistance of the armed persons, who refuse to comply with legal demands, and to stop the movement of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)," says the State Duma's website.

The missions that the "Rosgvardiya" solves in the course of the special military operation (SMO) "require an adequate response," said Valery Gribakin, the "Rosgvardiya" spokesman. "The provision of tanks and artillery will allow the tasks assigned to the "Rosgvardiya" to be performed more efficiently," the "Lenta.ru" quotes him as saying.