Russian parliament passes an initial vote on economic measures to support Russian military

 A package of new economic measures to support the Russian military has passed the first vote in the State Duma, the lower house of Russia's parliament.

There are still several rounds of parliamentary proceedings ahead, but if these measures are passed, Russian legal entities will not be able to refuse contracts with the Russian Armed Forces. 

While Russian officials continue to describe the Ukrainian war as "an extraordinary military operation," the new measures effectively mean the country will reshape its industries to support the ongoing invasion and put the country on a wartime economic footing.

In a statement, Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov referred to "tremendous pressure to impose sanctions" from the West.

"The bill obliges organizations to enter into contracts to secure counter-terrorism and other operations outside the Russian Federation, and grants contractors the right to purchase from a single supplier the products needed to fulfill defense orders," Boriso was quoted by Russian state news agency RIA Novosti as saying husband's words.

The economic measures still need to be approved in the second and third readings of the State Duma, considered by the upper house, and signed into effect by President Putin.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. While it gained in eastern Ukrainian territory, it also suffered heavy losses in terms of troops and equipment.