Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the war has reshaped global politics, economies, and daily life for millions.
While thousands of Russian soldiers have been deployed to the front lines, facing harsh conditions and heavy losses, the conflict has also exposed divisions within Russia’s leadership.
Some officials pledged to fight alongside regular troops, but reports suggest that many have not followed through.
Avoided Actual Combat
An investigation by Novaya Gazeta Europe found that more than 100 Russian lawmakers and state officials at both the federal and regional levels publicly declared their intent to join the military.
Most of these promises were made in 2022, shortly after the invasion began, according to Digi24.
The number of officials claiming they would enlist dropped in 2023 but saw an increase again in 2024.
Despite their pledges, the majority have avoided actual combat.
The investigation revealed that 18 officials enlisted to escape prosecution.
20 made public commitments but took no further action, and at least 62 served as volunteers under special conditions, far from direct fighting.
One of the highest-ranking officials to announce his participation was Senator Viktor Bondarev, a general colonel.
Reporters could not verify whether he was formally reinstated into active duty.
In addition to Bondarev, 18 members of the State Duma also declared their willingness to fight in Ukraine.
In 2024, six officials and one lawmaker from the Belgorod region joined the armed forces, but they served in the "BARS-Belgorod" unit, which primarily focuses on border security rather than frontline combat.
Three of them returned home within a month.
Of the 70 officials who entered military service, at least 49 opted for volunteer units instead of full military contracts.
Only 11 officials and lawmakers joined regular units, with just eight serving under normal conditions.
Two were wounded, and three were killed.
Unlike enlisted soldiers, volunteers serve for limited terms, often three to six months, and can leave at any time. Regular troops do not have this option and must remain until the war ends.