On Tuesday, Russia’s lower house, the State Duma, approved a bill aimed at transitioning to a year-round conscription model for the military, starting next year. This move is part of the Kremlin’s strategy to bolster troop numbers for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
According to the proposed legislation, draft boards will have the authority to carry out medical examinations, psychological evaluations, and other necessary enlistment procedures at any point from January 1 to December 31 each year.
Nonetheless, conscripted personnel will still be deployed during the conventional spring and autumn drafting periods, which run from April 1 to July 15 and from October 1 to December 31.
A notable amendment includes imposing a 30-day limit on electronic draft notifications, replacing the previous open-ended duration. Military officials clarified that this change aims to prevent draft boards from leaving individuals in uncertainty by keeping them on notice for extended periods without actual deployment.
The bill successfully passed its third and final reading in the State Duma and now awaits approval from the Federation Council before being forwarded to President Vladimir Putin for his signature.
Advocates of the reform argue that it will help lighten the administrative load on military recruitment offices and allow for a more balanced distribution of work throughout the year.
The explanatory notes accompanying the bill indicate that the revamped system is intended to enhance the quality of conscription and alleviate congestion during the biannual recruitment peaks.
