Paid Calls and Reserve Training in Russia
The government has stated that citizens who are in the reserve and who have been called for military training will not be sent to participate in hostilities in Ukraine. This clarification came amid public discussion about how reserve calls are managed and what they mean for individuals who have completed their mandatory service. The stance emphasizes that training obligations are separate from any ongoing military operation, and that the calls are planned annual events rather than active deployments.
Officials described the purpose of these trainings as ensuring that those in the reserve can fulfill their duties and then return to their families and regular employment. The emphasis is on maintaining readiness rather than initiating combat deployments. A presidential decree issued on May 10 authorized the 2023 training for reservists, though it did not specify how many people would be invited or the exact attendance conditions. The instruction remains a framework for annual mobilization activities rather than a directive for immediate combat action.
Citizens who have completed military service, graduated from a military training program, or have been discharged after reaching the age limit can be called to camps lasting up to two months. Reserve enlisted personnel and sergeants may be called up until the age of 35, while junior officers from second lieutenant to captain can be recalled up to age 50. The policy outlines a tiered approach, targeting different ranks and ages to refresh skills and ensure organizational readiness.
Reserve military training is described as a scheduled, recurring event aligned with the presidential directive. The Ministry of Defense issues a directive to regional military registration and enlistment offices, which then sends summons to reservists. Penalties are defined for non-attendance, with fines ranging from a nominal amount up to several thousand rubles in some cases. This framework underscores the importance placed on formal participation for those in the reserve, while also signaling oversight and accountability mechanisms.
Paid Calls
In earlier statements, officials indicated that reserve calls would be issued in paper form. High-level discussions acknowledged that current technical capabilities are limited, making handwritten summons the default method for serving notice. Although technology could enable electronic distribution in the future, paper copies would still be retained as the official record. The prospect of digitizing the process was acknowledged, with a timeline suggesting that an electronic military registration system could be established by 2025. This transition would modernize the process while preserving the integrity of service records and attendance tracking.
Officials also noted that some wage considerations are tied to mobilization readiness. The aim is to restore and maintain the skills of those who have already served, and to ensure that the mobilization framework supports the government’s strategic needs. Beyond wages, discussions focused on establishing a clear mobilization deployment base, including how recruits are categorized and what specialized training they will receive. The overarching goal is to ensure that reserves can be mobilized efficiently when required while avoiding unnecessary deployments of individuals who have not previously served or trained for specific operational tasks.
There was consideration given to organizing separate training camps for non-serving citizens where they could acquire specific military specialties. The policy contemplates calling eligible individuals who have passed the military training age, even if they are not currently part of the mobilization reserve. This approach would allow broader access to skill development while maintaining a clear line between training and combat readiness.
Rights and Obligations
The obligation to attend training is not universal. Certain groups are exempt or partially exempt from attendance. This includes employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Russian Guard, the Federal Penitentiary Service, the State Fire Service, and the Customs Service, along with civilian personnel of the Armed Forces and other law enforcement agencies. Citizens living abroad and those with active military obligations but who are temporarily unable to serve for health reasons are not required to participate. Additionally, exemptions can be granted for professional or family circumstances, such as having more than three minor dependents.
Experts note that reserve personnel retain certain rights during training. For example, travel abroad may be permissible for those called to training, subject to applicable laws and consular considerations. The exact procedural details can vary, and it is advised that individuals review the official summons for specific instructions. In some analyses, it was stated that a summons should clearly indicate the requirement to appear at the military registration and enlistment office. If the agenda specifies training alone, it would typically be considered outside the scope of deployment to active operations abroad under existing regulations.
Researchers and practitioners have stressed the importance of aligning training with current legal norms and administrative procedures. The evolving framework aims to balance national security requirements with protections for individual rights and mobility. As authorities implement the forthcoming electronic registration systems, the process may become more transparent and efficient, reducing ambiguity around who is eligible for training and under what conditions they must report.
Overall, the discussions around reserve training emphasize a structured, rule-based approach to maintaining readiness while clearly separating training from active combat deployments. The strategy centers on preserving capable, well-trained personnel who can support national defense objectives without compromising civilian life and economic stability. These considerations reflect ongoing efforts to modernize the system, improve record-keeping, and ensure that the reserve component remains a reliable pillar of national security when required.