The head of the Ministry of Digital Development announced that the department will pursue placing a number of information technology specialists on a military suspension list. The decision signals a strategic alignment between digital sector needs and national defense considerations, with public communication underscoring that this is about safeguarding critical tech expertise during sensitive times.
With 75 specialties already identified on this list, the minister noted opportunities to broaden the scope. He explained that several technical fields may warrant inclusion in a government decree, a move that could streamline how these roles interact with national defense policy while ensuring the tech workforce remains resilient and well-supported.
In a subsequent statement, the ministry reiterated its intent to act, signaling readiness to formalize new inclusions and adjust policy as required to reflect evolving conditions in the tech sector and defense priorities.
Vasily Orlov, former governor of the Amur region, presented a proposal to grant a second deferment from military service to graduates employed in the military-industrial complex or to provide an alternative path that allows such graduates to work within those enterprises instead of civilian service. The suggestion aims to recognize specialized training and critical contributions from graduates who contribute directly to defense-related industries.
Earlier remarks from the ministry highlighted workforce dynamics across Russia’s IT sector. Since late September, up to a tenth of IT company employees have departed the country, and there are estimates of nearly 100 thousand Russian IT specialists abroad. Despite this brain drain, the majority of these professionals reportedly continue to work for Russian-based companies, maintaining economic and technical linkages across borders.
Autumn conscription for emergency military service began in Russia on November 1. The defense ministry has stressed that conscripts in this cycle will not be deployed to zones of active military operations in Ukraine, aiming to convey a message of limited scope and strict adherence to policy boundaries while the country addresses broader security needs.