Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has signed an amendment to the defense law, paving the way for deployment of the Russian military anywhere in the world, the Kremlin said Monday. The law empowers the Russian armed forces to take part in anti- piracy missions and also contains a clause allowing troops to be deployed to protect Russian citizens abroad.

Medvedev last week dismissed criticism of the law, saying Russian forces would be deployed overseas only in urgent cases.

Previously the president could only authorize the sending of troops abroad if Russia's security was under threat, to help in anti-terror operations or to fulfill international obligations.

Medvedev submitted the bill to parliament on Aug. 10, days after the first anniversary of a brief war with Georgia last year.