Russian soldiers who desert their posts could face up to 10 years in jail under legislation that passed the lower house of parliament a day before Putin announced 'partial mobilization'

Legislation was passed by the lower house of parliament to increase jail time for soldiers who desert their posts.

The bill increases the jail time for deserting their unit from five years to 10 years. The law needs approval from Russia's upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, as well as a signature from the president.

According to The Washington Post, the bill passed just a day before Putin announced plans to partially mobilize the military reserve forces.

According to a translation by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, part of the bill states soldiers will be punished if they desert their unit "in the period of Mobilization or the State of Martial Law, as well as during wartime or while armed conflict and combat activities are underway."

The bill only referred to times during armed conflicts or military actions.

If soldiers refuse to go to combat, disobey a commander's order, or surrender without authorization, they could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.

Even as some soldiers are expressing exhaustion from the seven-month-long invasion, the bill and partial Mobilization show that Moscow is escalating its war.

Before Ukrainian forces regained the city of Izium, a group of Russian soldiers drafted letters requesting their commanders to leave their posts.

One soldier wrote that he wouldn't complete his duty due to lack of vacation days and moral exhaustion.