Dmitry Medvedev, serving as the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, identified a growing trend in contract service with Sevastopol and the Chechen Republic emerging as highly active participants. This assessment was conveyed by TASS, Russia’s leading news agency, signaling changing patterns in regional involvement within the armed forces.
Medvedev highlighted what he called a systematic push by leadership across several federal regions, including Moscow, Sevastopol, and the Chechen Republic. The goal is to sustain and deepen the cadre of personnel serving under contract in the combined military group. He stressed the need for steady, organized efforts to recruit skilled soldiers who view contractual service as a long term career, thereby strengthening the nation’s defense posture.
In earlier remarks, Medvedev announced a meeting with leaders from the Siberian Federal District to discuss ongoing recruitment of contract soldiers for the Russian Armed Forces. He indicated that work in this direction remains active and continuous, reflecting a sustained focus on expanding the contractual component of enlistment across diverse regions.
Medvedev also spoke about boosting the Armed Forces capacity to safeguard the country’s independence, security, and sovereignty. His remarks pointed to a strategic priority aimed at ensuring a robust national defense apparatus capable of meeting evolving security challenges.
During October, Medvedev reported that 357 thousand individuals had joined the Russian Armed Forces within the year. He clarified that this total includes reservists who sign contracts as well as volunteers who choose to serve. While the Ministry of Defense had ruled out mobilization at that time, a separate statement from the State Duma in September noted consideration of a larger contract personnel need, estimated at about 500 thousand. Further details were indicated to be in related coverage.
Earlier, Medvedev ordered the rapid establishment of mass production of small drones designed to integrate with air defense systems. The directive underscored a push to expand technological capabilities to bolster defensive operations and enhance airspace protection through domestically produced drone platforms. This initiative signals a broader commitment to leveraging advanced autonomous systems as a core element of national security infrastructure.