Russia toughening military punishment amid reports of troops refusing to fight

(Alamy/PA)

Russia’s Kremlin-controlled lower house of parliament has approved legislation that toughens punishment for soldiers breaching their duties, in an apparent effort to boost discipline in the ranks amid the fighting in Ukraine.

The amendments to Russia’s Criminal Code, which were quickly endorsed by the State Duma, introduces severe punishments for failure to follow orders, desertion or surrendering to the enemy.