The draft law detailing the conscription framework for National Guard units has been forwarded to the State Duma from an electronic database for consideration. This move signals a formal step in aligning reserve and active forces within the National Guard with broader national security obligations and the operational needs of law enforcement on the ground.
The measure was introduced by Alexander Khinshtein, who chairs the Duma information policy committee. The initiative reflects input from multiple government departments and departments that have worked in concert, particularly in light of the active participation of police units associated with the Russian Guard, including rapid response units. The proposal aims to streamline the process by which former National Guard personnel can be re-integrated into local structures for mobilization in both military and policing roles, thereby strengthening readiness at regional levels.
Key components of the draft contemplate directing former National Guard employees to their local departments, enabling mobilization pathways that serve dual purposes: bolstering the army when needed and reinforcing internal security within police forces. In addition, the bill proposes pre-appointment of reserve personnel from the Russian Guard into relevant guard structures, ensuring a more rapid and organized transition during times of strain or urgent requirement.
Another major facet of the proposal is the creation of short-term contracts, capped at one year, for members of the police service within the Russian Guard to undertake specific assignments. These assignments would be mission-focused, allowing authorities to mobilize specialized capabilities for targeted operations or tasks that require rapid deployment while maintaining stable long-term staffing in other law enforcement roles.
On a parallel track, the government recently enacted measures to broaden enforcement and accountability across critical infrastructure. On April 14, President Vladimir Putin signed legislation that tightens penalties for unauthorized entry into facilities managed by law enforcement agencies, the fuel and energy complex, and other essential government sites. The new laws also simplify procedures for recognizing citizens as dead or missing in the context of hostilities in Ukraine, reflecting an overarching effort to improve the efficiency of emergency response, civilian protection, and administrative processes during conflicts or emergencies.
Experts note that the confluence of these legal initiatives reflects a shift toward clearer mobilization pathways and more robust coordination between military and police formations. By formalizing the handoff points between reserve and active duty, the state aims to minimize bureaucratic delays and enhance readiness in scenarios ranging from regional security operations to nationwide security contingencies. At the same time, the focus on short-term service agreements indicates an intent to preserve career flexibility for personnel while preserving the integrity of ongoing missions and the safety of both officers and the communities they serve.
Observers also emphasize the importance of transparent recruitment and oversight mechanisms within the proposed framework. Ensuring that mobilization processes respect legal safeguards, protect civil liberties, and provide appropriate compensation and training will be essential to sustaining public trust. The administration is expected to publish more detailed guidelines outlining eligibility criteria, contract terms, and the supervisory structure that will oversee reserve assignments and temporary postings across multiple regions.
As the discussion moves forward in the Duma, stakeholders from security services, regional governors, and civil society groups are anticipated to weigh in with practical considerations. The evolving law seeks to balance the needs of rapid response with the rights and welfare of personnel who may be called upon to serve in diverse environments. The outcome will likely shape the operational tempo of the National Guard and related police units for the foreseeable future, with decisions that could affect training cycles, deployment schedules, and the allocation of resources to safeguard critical public safety functions across the nation.