Russia Intensifies Conscription Amid War, Recruits Report Pressure to Fight

Russia has significantly tightened its conscription system, making it increasingly difficult for young men to avoid military service, especially as the war in Ukraine continues. Recent changes include year-round conscription, an increased upper age limit from 27 to 30, stricter medical exemptions, and the introduction of an online summons system.

Many conscripts report facing intense pressure to sign military contracts soon after arriving at their units. Despite official assurances that conscripts are not deployed to the front lines, accounts from recruits suggest otherwise. They describe being isolated, with limited contact with the outside world, and facing constant pressure to sign contracts that are often presented as regular employment with better pay and less demanding duties.

Legal experts note that the options for legally avoiding conscription have drastically reduced. "Before 2022, there were many ways to avoid conscription without breaking the law," said Artyom Klyga, a lawyer with the Conscientious Objectors Movement. "Now, very few legal options remain."

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Before 2022, there were many ways to avoid conscription without breaking the law. Now, very few legal options remain.

This heightened pressure has led to a surge in demand for methods to evade service. For instance, a Moscow bank employee, who spoke anonymously for fear of reprisal, was arrested via facial recognition cameras used by police to identify draft dodgers. Within days, he found himself in a military unit, facing pressure to sign a contract.

Reports indicate that once a contract is signed, a recruit can be deployed to the front lines within a month. Last year, 422,000 Russians signed voluntary contracts for the war in Ukraine, while approximately 295,000 were called up for regular military service. The system's effectiveness in pressuring recruits into signing contracts is highlighted by lawyers who warn that this is leading to a record number of conscripts ending up on the battlefield.

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They need people like you. You can get a good position, earn money, and not do the usual things.