Russia passes law allowing year‑round conscription

On 28 October, the Russian Duma (parliament) passed a bill at its third and final reading that allows conscription for mandatory military service to take place throughout the calendar year – from 1 January to 31 December.

Source: Russian outlets RIA Novosti, Interfax, Meduza

Details: Military enlistment offices will now be able to conduct medical examinations and psychological screenings of conscripts and hold draft board meetings all year round.

However, conscripts will still be dispatched to their places of service twice a year – from 1 April to 15 July and from 1 October to 31 December.

The bill was amended at the second reading to limit the period for turning up in response to an electronic call-up notice issued by an enlistment office to 30 days (previously such notices were valid indefinitely, and the enlistment office could set a date several months ahead).

The bill was introduced by Andrei Kartapolov, Chair of the Duma Defence Committee, and his first deputy, Andrei Krasov. They said the new procedure should "even out the load on recruiting stations and improve the quality of conscription".

Background:

• In September the State Duma approved the bill proposing year‑round conscription – from 1 January to 31 December – at first reading.
• In 2023 the State Duma raised the conscription age for men to 30, banned people who had been called up from leaving the country, and increased the fine for failing to appear at a military enlistment office tenfold.

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