Putins New Law Eases Draft Process, Paving the Way for Year-Round Conscription

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin ratified a new law that transitions the military to a year-round conscription system, beginning next year. This move is part of the Kremlin’s strategy to increase troop numbers for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

While the law maintains the existing biannual draft schedule, it permits recruitment boards to carry out medical assessments, psychological evaluations, and other enlistment procedures at any time throughout the year.

Conscripts will continue to be dispatched for service during the established periods of April 1 to July 15 and October 1 to December 31.

Additionally, the legislation introduces a 30-day expiration for electronic draft notifications, a change from the previous indefinite duration. Military officials noted that this measure aims to prevent draft boards from leaving individuals in uncertainty for prolonged periods without action.

Advocates for the reform argue that it is intended to alleviate the administrative strain on military recruitment offices while facilitating a more even distribution of responsibilities throughout the year.

The new framework is expected to enhance the overall quality of conscription and mitigate congestion during the established recruitment peaks.