Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has approved an amended law that will allow the use of Russian armed forces abroad.

The amended law will allow Russian armed forces anywhere in the world to protect Russian citizens from armed attack and to rebuff the attack on Russian military units located outside Russia.

Prior to the amendment, the law only allowed the president to send armed forces to fight terrorism on foreign territories.

In addition, the law guarantees help for foreign countries defending or preventing armed attacks by proper request, and helps to ensure safe navigation for anti-piracy measures.