The decree issued by the President of the Russian Federation expands the age limit for delaying compulsory military service for IT professionals, raising it to 30 years. This directive was released on the official government portal and forms part of a broader package of measures aimed at strengthening Russia’s information technology sector. The change is a formal adjustment documented in the public record.
The measure appears in the President’s Decree No. 83, dated March 2, 2022, which focuses on accelerating the development of the information technology industry within the Russian Federation. The decree outlines steps to support tech growth and create a more favorable environment for IT specialists and related enterprises.
In the text of the decree, the language previously stating a postponement threshold of 27 years has been updated to 30 years, effectively extending the window during which IT professionals can defer military service. This amendment signals a targeted policy shift intended to retain skilled talent within the technology sector for a longer portion of their early careers.
Maksut Shadayev, who previously led the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, indicated that the ministry has prepared proposals to reinforce measures supporting the informatics sector. He noted that the decree addressing IT industry support includes a dedicated paragraph dealing with exemptions from military service up to the age of 30, reflecting a deliberate effort to accommodate the needs of the tech workforce.
Earlier, Vladimir Putin signed legislation to raise the general age for military service from 18 to 30, with this reform slated to take effect on January 1, 2024. The policy trajectory aligns with a broader push to modernize Russia’s defense and economic posture, balancing national security requirements with the needs of a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
The president’s statements about the future of the Russian armed forces have been part of a larger national discussion on military and economic strategy, including how to leverage human capital in critical sectors such as information technology. The government’s approach reflects an emphasis on ensuring that highly skilled IT professionals can contribute to the country’s development while maintaining the capacity to fulfill their civic duties when deferred is applicable under the new rules.