In Russia, a provocative policy idea has surfaced regarding the enlistment age for immigrants who become Russian citizens from abroad, proposing a threshold of 50 years. The concept originated with Alexei Zhuravlev, the First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, and emerged in reporting from Public News Service amid ongoing parliamentary discussions. (Source: Public News Service)
Zhuravlev explained that a bill is being drafted and could be submitted to the Federal Assembly during the autumn session. He argued that military service should eventually be mandatory for all who obtain Russian citizenship, while offering a safeguard to deter evasion: setting the enlistment age at 50 for those naturalized under these circumstances. He noted that many newcomers complete their citizenship paperwork as adults, often after the typical conscription window has closed, creating what he described as an unfair barrier for Russian men who are already serving. (Source: Public News Service)
The deputy stressed that the current arrangement places newly naturalized residents at a disadvantage relative to native citizens who have served, prompting calls for a more uniform approach to military obligations across the entire population. The aim, he suggested, is to harmonize practical expectations with national defense needs while acknowledging the realities of late-adult naturalizations. (Source: Public News Service)
In St. Petersburg, authorities reportedly identified more than a hundred individuals who had gained citizenship as entrants eligible for military registration. Parallel reports from Chuvashia indicated a broader governmental effort to monitor and integrate new citizens into the conscription framework. Valery Fadeev, head of the presidential Human Rights Council, later urged aligning passport issuance with military registration to streamline the process and minimize discrepancies between citizenship status and service obligations. (Source: Public News Service)
Commentators note that the push for reform is unlikely to trigger a mass relocation of foreigners from the Russian Federation, even amid economic pressures such as a weaker ruble. The debate continues as lawmakers weigh national security considerations, fairness, and the practical realities faced by newcomers who acquire citizenship and face the prospect of service. The evolving discussion underscores a broader question about how immigration, citizenship, and military duty intersect in a modern Russian state, and what framework best balances individual timing with collective responsibility. (Source: Public News Service)