The chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, Andrey Kartapolov, spoke about peacekeeping duties and the protections afforded to service members during such missions. He emphasized that personnel assigned to peacekeeping tasks will not be placed in high-risk situations where their lives would be in immediate danger.
According to Kartapolov, personnel selected for peacekeeping duties will carry out assignments consistent with their routine service, but with a focus on maintaining security and stability. He pointed to guard and security responsibilities as an example, illustrating how these roles align with everyday duties rather than front-line combat tasks.
The deputy stressed that participation in peacekeeping missions is voluntary for conscripts. To be eligible, servicemen must submit a formal request and complete additional training geared toward operational proficiency. This training includes learning a foreign language and strengthening communication skills to better interact with personnel from partner nations and local communities where missions take place.
The February briefing noted that the Ministry of Defense is considering broadening the range of military personnel who can opt into peacekeeping roles. The plan would allow more service members to volunteer, while acknowledging that this expansion could affect conscripts as they reallocate resources and responsibilities within the armed forces.
In describing the policy direction, Kartapolov underscored that national peacekeeping contributions are designed to support international stability while preserving the safety and well-being of the troops involved. The framework aims to balance the legitimate interests of national defense with commitments to international security operations, ensuring that duty in peacekeeping contexts remains a measured and voluntary choice for service members who meet the training and language requirements.
Observers note that language preparation and cross-cultural communication form a critical part of the peacekeeping toolkit. Enhanced language skills facilitate clearer liaison with regional authorities, humanitarian partners, and local populations. This approach helps reduce misunderstandings and promotes more effective coordination on the ground, ultimately contributing to more successful missions without unnecessary exposure to risk.
Officials emphasize that peacekeeping duties do not equate to combat roles. Instead, they focus on maintaining order, protecting civilians, delivering essential aid, and supporting stabilization efforts in post-conflict or fragile environments. By defining responsibilities in this way, the program seeks to leverage trained personnel to support international peace and security while respecting the limits of safety for conscripts and other participants.
As the discussion evolves, questions arise about the potential scale of participation and the criteria used to determine who may volunteer. The ongoing dialogue reflects a careful assessment of military readiness, legal frameworks, and the practical needs of peacekeeping operations. The overarching goal remains clear: contribute to global stability and humanitarian outcomes while ensuring that service members operate within vetted, controlled parameters that minimize risk to life.