Russia has officially rolled out a nationwide digital military summons system designed to address the issue of draft evasion by eliminating persistent weaknesses in the traditional paper-based approach, according to a group that assists Russian army deserters.

In April 2023, President Vladimir Putin enacted legislation that revamped the country’s conscription framework by introducing electronic summons and a centralized digital database of eligible men. This system also imposes automatic travel restrictions on those who neglect to report for duty.

“Previously, we reported that the registry was only operational in a testing phase across three regions. That information has now been updated,” stated Idite Lesom, an exiled nonprofit organization that aids Russians in evading military service.

This registry enables authorities to send summons through the online government portal Gosuslugi, via traditional mail, or through the new digital system, thereby removing the necessity for in-person delivery, which had previously allowed many to dodge the draft.

According to the new law, individuals who disregard their summons may face travel limitations, driving prohibitions, and restrictions on loans and real estate transactions.

This digitization initiative is part of a wider reform of Russia’s military registration process. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has characterized these changes as efforts to create a more “modern, efficient, and user-friendly” system.

Nevertheless, critics argue that this initiative highlights Russia’s pressing demand for new recruits in light of its disappointing military performance following the Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2022.

Additionally, starting in 2023, Putin has broadened the age range for mandatory conscription to cover individuals aged 18 to 30.