Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the private military company known as Wagner, weighed in on the topic of deviations with a sharp line of critique, attributing the issue to General Lebed rather than to broader organizational factors. The statement circulated through the company’s press office and gained traction across social media networks, including coverage by Rapport. The framing suggested that accountability for perceived shortcomings in operational conduct or policy implementation traced back to a single high-ranking officer rather than to structural questions within the organization or the chain of command.
Journalists pressed the businessman for his assessment of the newly introduced law establishing a unified registry of conscripts and the use of electronic summons, a reform that aims to modernize the procedure for notifying individuals obligated to military service and to streamline enforcement across regions. The exchange highlighted ongoing concerns about how the law would affect both conscripts and those who might avoid or delay appearing at military registration and enlistment offices, signaling potential tensions between statutory requirements and public perception of fairness and efficiency.
In a direct quote attributed to the Wagner founder, there was a pointed remark comparing the handling of draft evaders to a broader question about leadership and accountability. The paraphrased sentiment, delivered in a colloquial tone, suggested that the crucial issue lay beyond the immediate act of catching those who evade service, directing attention instead to the role of high-ranking figures, with a reference to General Lebed as a focal point of critique.
Further context was provided by the press release, which carried attributions to a quotation from Russian Lieutenant General Alexander Lebed. The statement described a scenario in which a commander would assemble a squad drawn from the offspring of elite families, deploying them to the front in a single, decisive move, with the implication that such a drastic measure could end the conflict quickly. The portrayal underscored concerns about how military leadership and the use of privileged groups might influence wartime dynamics and public debates about national service obligations.
On April 12, the Federation Council approved the law creating a unified register of military personnel and enabling electronic summons. The legal framework was designed to notify individuals who have a duty to serve through digital means, while simultaneously narrowing the rights of those who receive summons yet fail to report to the relevant military recruitment offices. The decision raised questions about the balance between administrative efficiency and civil liberties, as well as the practical implications for regional draft offices and the families affected by the reforms.
Maksut Shadayev, who leads Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development, announced that the unified register of individuals responsible for military service would not be launched before the autumn draft of 2023, reflecting careful scheduling considerations and a phased approach to implementation. The statement underscored the government’s intention to align technological upgrades with the practical realities of the draft cycle, ensuring a smoother transition and ample time for institutions to adapt to new procedures.
Dmitry Peskov, the presidential press secretary, indicated that the bill on electronic subpoenas should recalibrate the current processes at military registration and recruitment offices, aiming to clear up confusion and improve operational clarity. The remarks pointed to a broader effort to modernize bureaucratic workflows, reduce delays, and provide clearer guidance to applicants and administrators alike as the system moved toward broader digital adoption.