Russia tightens military draft: Thousands searching for loopholes

In Russia, another autumn military draft is approaching, and this one will be decidedly different from previous ones. It will be conducted according to new rules that tighten the call-ups to the army. The first summons will be in November, but many Russians are already seeking ways to avoid service.

The war in Ukraine has been ongoing for two and a half years. During this time, Russia has organised cyclical military drafts several times. There was much talk, especially about the first call-ups after the conflict began, as summons were handed out to random passers-by on the streets then.

Over time, people in Russia began to increasingly avoid service or even receive summonses to the army. Therefore, the Kremlin decided to change the draft system, which will function for the first time during this year's autumn draft. What will distinguish it is that it will be conducted electronically.

In this situation, a summons will be considered received as soon as it is sent. Thus, thousands of Russians will lose the right to travel abroad immediately, and if they fail to report to the unit, they will face heavy penalties. It's no wonder that many potential draftees are already looking for ways to avoid service.

As lawyer Artem Klyga told the "Ludiej Bajkala" portal, future draftees have several options. One of the most popular is to document a condition with a doctor that prevents active service. This option is especially suited to older draftees.

This year's resistance to the autumn draft is particularly significant. This is primarily due to the Ukrainian offensive in August on Kursk Oblast, in which hundreds of draftees lost their lives. Because of their low status, they do not have the right to refuse to be sent to the border area. Moreover, in the case of death during such service, their families are not entitled to high military compensation.