Mass Entrance into Contract Military Service and Related Security Events
Since the start of this year, more than 100 thousand individuals have entered contract military service to be deployed to the special operations zone, according to statements from the Russian Ministry of Defense (attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense). In recent days, the ministry has reported a noticeable uptick in interest from residents of Moscow and other Russian cities to join contract service, reflecting a broader surge in volunteer enlistment. (attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense)
Data from nationwide polling indicates that as many as 1.7 thousand people visit polling stations daily across the country, and over the past ten days roughly 16 thousand Russians have signed contracts to join what is described as the Special Military Operation (SVO). These figures illustrate a sustained level of commitment among civilians seeking to participate in the ongoing security mission. (attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense)
The ministry has stated that a substantial portion of volunteers are motivated by a desire to respond to and avenge a terrorist attack that occurred at Crocus City Hall. This incident, which shook the Moscow region, became a focal point for public sentiment and enlistment activity as authorities pursued investigations and reinforced security measures. (attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense)
On the evening of March 22, a terrorist attack unfolded at the Crocus City Hall concert venue in Krasnogorsk, near Moscow. Reportedly, gunmen opened fire before the scheduled performance, followed by explosions and a fire. The Russian Investigative Committee opened a criminal case under Article 205 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, initiating a formal inquiry into the attack and its organizers. (attribution: Russian Investigative Committee)
By the morning of March 23, four suspects linked to the Bryansk region attack were detained. They were formally arrested the following day and remanded to custody until May 22, with potential life imprisonment as a consequence if convicted. The detention and charges underscore ongoing efforts to dismantle networks behind the assault and to disrupt future threats. (attribution: Russian Investigative Committee)
Earlier reports connected a series of arson incidents at military registration and enlistment offices to broader security developments in Russia. The authorities highlighted these events alongside the country’s operational achievements in the Northern Military District, framing them as part of a wider pattern of challenges and responses within the armed forces and security apparatus. (attribution: Russian Prosecutor General’s Office)