A criminal case has been initiated against Gleb Kalyuzhny, a 26-year-old actor well-known for his role as Zhenka in the popular series Vampires of the Middle Lane. This legal action stems from allegations of the actor's persistent evasion of mandatory military service, as reported by multiple news agencies, including RIA Novosti.
The decision to open the case was made due to what law enforcement agencies describe as Kalyuzhny's "continued evasion" of conscription duties. Under Part 1 of Article 328 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, Kalyuzhny could face serious penalties — up to two years of imprisonment, significant fines, or even compulsory labor for the same duration. This sends shockwaves through both Kalyuzhny's fan base and the entertainment industry, evidencing the stringent response of Russian authorities to military service evasion.
Kalyuzhny, born on August 14, 1998, began his acting career with the film 14+, which cleverly spoke to the youth demographic and was even showcased at the 2015 Berlin International Film Festival. Since then, he has built up quite the portfolio, accumulating over 40 film and television credits. His recent works include the action film Red Silk and the series Chelyuskin. The First, where he starred alongside Stasya Miloslavskaya.
On February 25, 2025, Kalyuzhny openly expressed his ambition of becoming a director and his dedication to improving his acting skills, asserting, “Practice is important, both on and off the screen.” Despite his fervor for personal growth and professional development, his legal troubles have thrown a dark cloud over his burgeoning career.
The strictness surrounding military service obligations has deepened recently. President Vladimir Putin signed new laws last August tightening conscription rules, raising the draft age to encompass males aged 18 to 30 and restricting those conscripted from traveling abroad until their service has concluded. Added to this list of regulations are harsh penalties for failing to report to military enlistment offices.
While Kalyuzhny’s case seems particularly high-profile due to his celebrity status, it is not isolated. The Sverdlovsk region alone reported 958 cases of service evasion brought before courts last year, highlighting the growing sensitivity and law enforcement's crackdowns on draft dodging. Interestingly, most offenders found guilty typically receive fines, with only a handful serving suspended sentences or acknowledgments of their innocence.
The current conscription campaign runs twice yearly: the spring draft lasts from April 1 to July 15, and the autumn draft spans from October 1 to December 31. This leaves many young men—just like Kalyuzhny—under immense pressure as they grapple with the expectations of service amid today's societal and political climate.
Adding to the legal complications, Kalyuzhny's recent ventures, including his music career with releases such as his rap composition Zazhigalka, place him under even closer scrutiny as authorities may perceive public figures' non-compliance more acutely than ordinary citizens. Despite the hard-hitting nature of these regulations, efforts have been made to criminalize evasion of not just military service, but also alternative civilian service, leaving many young Russians evaluating their commitment to both their country and their personal aspirations.
This case emphasizes the balancing act contemporary Russian youth must navigate—conforming to societal expectations for military service versus pursuing individual career paths. Kalyuzhny's predicament serves as both cautionary tale and insight, reflecting the broader challenges facing many young Russians today.
With the world closely watching developments like these, one can't help but wonder how Kalyuzhny will navigate this turbulent period. His future now hangs precariously in the balance, and whether he can pivot his artistic ambitions amid such pressures remains to be seen.