The State Duma recently passed a legislative measure in its final reading that opens the door for volunteer formations to be integrated into the structure of the Russian Guard in the future. The official text outlining this change was published on the portal Regulatory Support Systems (LSS). This development signals a shift in how the Rosgvardiya may organize and mobilize human resources beyond active duty personnel, potentially leveraging civilian volunteers to support security and defense tasks under defined conditions.
The explanatory note accompanying the bill explains that voluntary formations of the Rosgvardiya may participate in specific duties related to defense during mobilization periods, times of martial law, armed conflict scenarios, and the execution of anti-terrorism operations. Such language points to a broader framework in which civilian volunteers could be called upon to assist in critical security missions while operating within established legal and operational constraints. The emphasis is on ensuring that volunteers are integrated into the defense apparatus in a way that preserves chain of command, accountability, and safety for all parties involved.
On November 28, reports indicated that the Russian government supported the project and discussed social guarantees for Rosgvardiya volunteers. The measures under consideration aim to protect volunteers’ jobs during their contracted service periods and extend social and labor protections consistent with civilian workers, thereby creating a clearer and more stable environment for volunteer service. The potential benefits highlighted include a more flexible reserve of personnel during emergencies and heightened public safety capacity, balanced by safeguards that address employment rights, compensation, and access to essential services outside the armed forces framework.
In parallel developments, on December 12, the State Duma adopted another law related to conscripts and their potential service in the military and security services, including border service divisions. This action appears to reflect a broader trend toward clarifying how individuals may participate in national defense in various capacities, whether as conscripts, reservists, or volunteers, and how these roles interact with existing constitutional and legal provisions. The evolving legal landscape demonstrates a sustained effort to formalize volunteer and auxiliary roles within Russia’s security sector while maintaining clear boundaries between military, paramilitary, and civilian service.
Earlier steps in this policy stream included proposals addressing penalties or disciplinary measures for volunteers who commit offenses during service. Such proposals underscore the attention given to maintaining professional standards and accountability within volunteer formations. While the precise scope and implementation details remain to be refined, the overarching objective appears to be the creation of a legally structured volunteer framework that can supplement official security forces during periods of heightened risk or national challenge while protecting the rights and welfare of those who serve in volunteer capacities. The ongoing dialogue highlights how government agencies seek to balance rapid, scalable defense capabilities with legal certainty, governance, and human resource considerations for civilians who step into volunteer roles for the Rosgvardiya.