Administration officials from the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation have proposed an amendment to the rules governing calls for mobilization. The draft seeks to ensure better dissemination of information to mobilized individuals, with a notable emphasis on notifying them via SMS based on the proposed resolution.
The document explains that standard summons will be copied into the electronic record of the public registry that tracks subpoenas sent or delivered to enlisted citizens. It is advised that the delivery of subpoenas be announced through each person’s personal cabinet in the Government Services system, in the taxpayer’s personal account, and by SMS. In this framework, the phone number registered with the Government Services portal would be used, as indicated by the Ministry of Defense.
The ministry argues that these updates will shorten the time required for citizens to receive mobilization notifications and enhance the clarity of the process.
When and how will the electronic subpoena operate?
In April, Russia moved to implement an electronic summons law that creates a military registration record, duplicates summons in electronic form, and directs written delivery. It also imposes restrictions on individuals who fail to appear at the military registration and enlistment office.
Andrei Kartapolov, the chair of the State Duma Defense Committee, noted that the new procedures for receiving subpoenas will impact not only conscripts but every person responsible for military service.
Following the law’s passage, the Ministry of Defense proposed allowing people to be registered or removed from the military register without appearing in person at the military registration and enlistment office. It is expected that such actions could be completed through portals of state and municipal services. The control of this process is linked to the broader digital transformation agenda.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation indicated that the new recording system will not be fully operational until the autumn enlistment period. Andrey Biryukov, who heads the Main Organization and Mobilization Department within the General Staff of the Armed Forces, clarified that electronic summons will not be issued for the spring call.
In mid-May, officials reported that Ukrainian provocateurs began sending emails containing counterfeit messages that looked like subpoenas, urging recipients to visit the military registration and enlistment offices to confirm data.
Later, the Russian National Defense Control Center clarified that current legislation does not authorize distributing mobilization orders or summons via email.
Historical context shows that a partial mobilization was announced in September 2022, with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu informing the president later that the draft had reached its target of enrolling 300,000 individuals. There was no presidential decree issuing a formal conclusion to the mobilization at that time. These developments underscore the ongoing evolution of mobilization procedures within the Russian Federation and the broader operational framework for military service.