The chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, Andrey Kartapolov, spoke on a TV channel about the plan to create a single database of military records. He explained that individuals liable for military service, those who are subject to conscription, and those working abroad should consider taking annual leave and returning to Russia to fulfill their service obligations. This guidance comes as part of broader efforts to consolidate military records, improve accountability, and ensure that service requirements are met in a timely and verifiable manner. Kartapolov emphasized that the nation relies on a clear, organized approach to tracking conscripts, reservists, and those who may be outside the country for work or study, so that the national defense system remains robust and responsive to changing conditions. His remarks suggest a preference for proactive planning: initiate leave, report for duty, and complete the owed service within the framework of the unified register initiative.
Kartapolov added that for those who are abroad but not subject to conscription, it will be possible to send the necessary documents electronically to the military commissariat. This digital pathway is intended to streamline administrative procedures, reduce delays, and ensure that non‑conscripts who still need to participate in or certify their status can do so without unnecessary travel. The official noted that the electronic transmission of documents would support efficient processing, enable timely updates to records, and maintain consistency across regional military offices, even when personnel are located far from home. The aim is to preserve the integrity of the record system while easing bureaucratic burdens for citizens living overseas.
Earlier reports indicated that Russians who are required to enroll for military service could be recorded as substitutes without presenting themselves in person at the military commissariat or enlistment office. This approach would provide an alternative means of meeting service obligations for individuals facing logistical or personal barriers to physical attendance, while still binding them to the national defense commitments. The broader policy discussions around this topic reflect a push to modernize enrollment processes, balance practical realities with security needs, and ensure that every eligible citizen’s status is accurately reflected in the official registry. In tandem, amendments were being discussed in the State Duma to strengthen the framework for a unified military base across the Russian Federation. The legislative changes are aimed at ensuring that from the moment summons are issued, individuals are effectively restricted from leaving the country until their status is resolved. This travel restriction is presented as a measure to safeguard the integrity of the service system, prevent evasion, and guarantee that summoned individuals are accounted for within the national defense structure.