Russian Federation
Practice Relating to Rule 4. Definition of Armed Forces
The Russian Federation’s Military Manual (1990) defines armed forces with reference to Article 43(1) of the 1977 Additional Protocol I.
The Russian Federation’s Regulations on the Application of IHL (2001) states:
armed forces of a party to a conflict are organized armed units which are under a command responsible to that party for the conduct of its subordinates, even if that party is represented by a government or an authority not recognized by the adverse party. The armed forces are subject to an internal disciplinary system which allows them to comply with the rules of international humanitarian law. The armed forces consist of combatants and non-combatants – medical and religious personnel.