Russia has implemented a new digital military draft system, which aims to prevent men from avoiding their military service commitments by leaving the country. President Vladimir Putin signed a law last year prohibiting draftees from leaving the country once they receive electronic call-up papers. The new system considers a draft notice received as soon as it appears on the dedicated online portal, and individuals are responsible for checking their names on the website. This new approach is seen as a way to crack down on draft dodging, as the previous call-up papers had to be delivered in person and were easily ignored. The system is currently being tested in the regions of Ryazan, Sakhalin, and the republic of Mari El.
The website for the military draft system also specifies that individuals subject to military service are not allowed to leave Russia from the date the summons is placed in the registry. Men of military age who fail to report for service within 20 days after receiving the summons online will face restrictions, including bans on driving, applying for loans, and registering a business. The website will be launched nationwide on November 1, according to a decree issued by the Russian government earlier this year. This move comes after Putin ordered the creation of a unified military draft database in 2022 following a partial mobilization of 300,000 reservists that revealed inefficiencies in military recruitment and resulted in a large-scale exodus of Russians.
The Kremlin has stated that it does not plan on another mobilization drive, but Putin extended the age range for compulsory military service to 18-30 this year due to a manpower shortage in Ukraine. The new draft system aims to address the issue of draft dodging and ensure that those eligible for military service fulfill their obligations. The focus on military recruitment efficiency and preventing draftees from avoiding service reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining a strong military force and addressing security concerns. The system is being tested in specific regions before a nationwide launch, with measures in place to enforce compliance with the draft summons.
Despite facing challenges and threats of prosecution from the Russian authorities for its independent journalism, The Moscow Times continues to provide accurate and unbiased reporting on important issues such as the new digital military draft system in Russia. The publication emphasizes the importance of open, independent journalism and the need for support from readers to continue its work. By standing with The Moscow Times and supporting its mission, readers can contribute to defending free speech and the integrity of journalism in the face of repression. The publication’s efforts to inform the public about crucial developments, such as the implementation of the digital military draft system, demonstrate its commitment to delivering reliable news and promoting transparency in society.
