Soviet Red Army units march towards the liberation of Berlin, April 1945. Photo archive: VNA

The new law stipulates penalties for violations of a federal law that forbids equating the actions of Soviet leaders, commanders and servicemen with those of Nazi generals and soldiers and European nations during World War II, as well as denying the decisive role of the Soviet people in defeating German Nazis and the Soviet humanitarian mission in liberating European countries.

The law stipulates fines from 1,000 to 2,000 rubles or imprisonment for up to 15 days for violating citizens; fines ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 rubles for violating officials, and from 10,000 to 50,000 rubles for violating legal entities. Penalties will be increased for recidivism.

In July 2021, President Putin signed a law prohibiting the equating of Soviet goals and actions with those of the Nazis in World War II, as well as denying the decisive role of Soviet people in victory over fascism.