The Ministry of Defense has announced that Russia is reintroducing compulsory military service this autumn, signaling a notable shift in national manpower policy. The move outlines a plan to mobilize a large pool of young citizens into the armed forces, the National Guard, and other designated units to bolster the country’s defensive and security posture during a period of heightened strategic activity. It presents the effort as a structured, state-directed program aimed at meeting anticipated operational demands across multiple branches of service and regional deployments, while aligning with broader national security objectives. [citation: Ministry of Defense, official statement]
In practical terms, the plan calls for drafting roughly 130,000 individuals into compulsory service. This allocation is intended to maintain essential capabilities within the Armed Forces and related entities, providing manpower for roles ranging from frontline operations to support tasks. The distribution of draftees across branches will be coordinated to balance readiness, skill sets, and regional requirements, with careful consideration given to the overall impact on households and communities. [citation: government decree]
Under the Military Service and Military Service Law, citizens aged 18 to 27 who are not currently in the reserve are subject to compulsory service. The framework specifies that the draft season ordinarily begins on October 1, with regional variations: the Far North and similar territories will start conscription on November 1, allowing local authorities to adjust logistics, housing, and basic allowances to accommodate local conditions. This phased approach is designed to manage transitions smoothly while maintaining consistent training and assignment standards across the country. [citation: national law summary]
For the rest of the country, the initial cohort of recruits is scheduled to be deployed to their designated postings beginning October 16. The plan notes that soldiers and sailors already serving will not be relocated to recently annexed or administratively altered regions, nor will conscripts participate in active armed operations or special military campaigns designated as SVO duties. These safeguards emphasize orderly deployment, predictable career progression for draftees, and a clear separation between conscription activities and ongoing special operations. [citation: official policy briefing]
The standard term of service has been set at 12 months, a duration chosen to balance training efficacy, operational readiness, and the practical considerations affecting the personal and professional lives of those conscripted. The period is intended to deliver essential military skills and experiences while enabling conscripts to reintegrate into civilian life in a timely fashion after completion. This cadence forms part of a broader strategy to sustain a robust pool of trained personnel capable of responding to a wide spectrum of national security tasks. [citation: defense ministry overview]
Previously, the President signed a decree signaling the initiation of compulsory service within the country’s armed forces during the autumn season. The action underscores a formal government commitment to renewing the pool of military personnel and sustaining the country’s defense capabilities across all service branches. [citation: presidential decree summary]
In a related development, there was public discussion about extending the age range eligible for conscription. The government’s move to raise the draft age reflects considerations about access to education, career pathways, and regional deployment needs, alongside the broader objective of ensuring sufficient manpower without compromising opportunities for younger generations. [citation: policy discussion notes]