Russia’s Defense Ministry is set to enlist 133,000 young men for mandatory military service this fall and winter, as per a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin. This recent draft follows the goal set by Putin to have 1.5 million active servicemen by the end of 2024.
Conscription is mandatory for Russian men aged 18-30 to undergo basic military training, with avoiding service punishable by up to two years in prison. Despite concerns, Putin assured that drafted men will not be deployed to combat zones, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The military has confirmed that the newly drafted men will not be sent to Ukraine, and a digital draft system will not be used for this call-up. Recruits will receive traditional paper summonses during the drafting period.
With 283,000 men set to be conscripted by the end of 2024, the Russian military is working towards strengthening its forces while assuring the public that new recruits will not be involved in combat operations.