Military drafts have long been a tool for governments to maintain their armed forces, especially during prolonged conflicts.
In Russia, the war in Ukraine has significantly strained the country’s military resources.
Now, lawmakers are proposing changes that could bring more people into service, including those who were previously deemed unfit or exempt.
Drafted in spite of high blood pressure
Andrei Kartapolov, chairman of the Defense Committee in Russia’s State Duma, has introduced a bill that would allow authorities to call up individuals who were not previously enlisted for various reasons.
The proposal has gained support from the Russian government, according to Interfax.
If passed, the law would require that any unfulfilled draft orders remain valid for one year after they were initially issued.
Legal experts have raised concerns about the implications of this change, according to WP.
Some fear that the expanded draft could result in the conscription of individuals who are not physically fit for service.
A lawyer speaking to independent Russian media noted that while the measure would streamline recruitment, it could also lead to violations of citizens’ rights.
Under the proposed law, someone who was initially rejected for health reasons, such as high blood pressure or asthma, could still be drafted at a later date.
Additionally, people who have recently adopted children or enrolled in universities might find themselves subject to military service despite their previous exemptions.
Similar practices have already been observed in Moscow since the fall of 2024, though they reportedly operate outside the legal framework.
The new legislation seeks to formalize and expand these efforts nationwide.
Russia has suffered significant losses in Ukraine.
The UK Ministry of Defense estimates that around 200,000 Russian soldiers have died in combat, while another 400,000 have been wounded.
These numbers exceed Russian military losses in any conflict since World War II.
