In a significant move towards modernizing military conscription processes, the Russian Federation has officially launched the electronic register of summonses, known as the Unified Register of Military Registration. This development marks the end of the test phase that had previously limited the site’s functionality to just three regions: Ryazan Oblast, the Republic of Mari El, and Sakhalin. Now, the portal is fully operational across the country, allowing users to check their summons status, access personal accounts, and obtain extracts from the register.
The legal project "Go to the Forest," which assists individuals in avoiding mobilization for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, highlighted the transition of the website from a test mode to full operation. Previously, users were informed that the site was only functional in select regions, but this notice has now been removed. The project noted, "So far, we have not received any appeals from those who received a summons through this site or encountered automatic restrictions," indicating a cautious start as the system becomes more widely used.
The electronic register is critical as it contains crucial information regarding military registration and the citizens liable for it, including personal details such as passport data, social insurance numbers, tax identification numbers, citizenship status, educational background, employment, and health status. Access to this sensitive information is not limited to the Ministry of Defense; the Federal Security Service (FSB) and other security agencies also have access, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance among citizens.
As of May 8, 2025, the register allows users to request two types of extracts: one from sent or received summonses and the other from the military registration records. Human rights activists have reported that the extracts they received from both registers were identical, suggesting a potential lack of transparency in how summonses are recorded and processed.
According to amendments to the law on military duty, a summons is considered served seven days after it is posted in the register. If a conscript does not report to the military enlistment office within 20 days of receiving a summons, they may face severe restrictions. These include a ban on leaving the country, registering vehicles, managing real estate, and obtaining loans or a foreign passport. Such measures are designed to ensure compliance with conscription laws and to deter evasion.
President Vladimir Putin announced the commencement of the spring conscription on April 1, 2025, which is set to affect a record 160,000 individuals, the highest number since 2011. This significant uptick in conscription numbers reflects the ongoing demands of the military amidst the ongoing conflict.
Despite the official launch, there have been reports of errors within the register. Users have encountered issues such as inaccuracies in the data provided in the extracts, leading to concerns about the reliability of the system. A Novaya Gazeta Europe employee was unable to log into their personal account due to errors on the site, while another individual managed to log in but found discrepancies in their military registration status.
Activists from "Go to the Forest" have emphasized that they have not yet received reports from individuals who have received summonses through the electronic register, which may indicate a slow uptake of the system among the population. The lack of feedback from users raises questions about the effectiveness and user-friendliness of the platform.
Moreover, the legal implications of the register are significant. According to the law, failure to appear at the military enlistment office after being summoned can lead to drastic consequences. Citizens may find themselves unable to register as self-employed or individual entrepreneurs, take out loans, or even drive vehicles. This creates a climate of fear around the conscription process, as individuals may feel pressured to comply with military demands or face severe restrictions on their personal freedoms.
The Ministry of Defense had initially planned for the electronic register to be fully operational by January 1, 2025, but delays pushed the launch back to May 2025. This timeline reflects the complexities involved in implementing such a significant technological shift within the military framework.
Alexey Eremenko, an expert on military registration, has provided insights into the implications of the new electronic register for personnel management. He noted that the transition to an electronic system is expected to streamline the process of military registration and improve access to data for military officials. However, the full impact of these changes on traditional paper-based systems remains to be seen.
As the spring conscription period continues until July 15, 2025, citizens are encouraged to stay informed about their rights and the potential implications of the new electronic summons register. The ongoing conflict and the government's mobilization efforts have created a complex landscape for Russian citizens, who must navigate the intricacies of military duty while protecting their personal freedoms.
The launch of the electronic register of summonses is a pivotal moment in Russia's military conscription process, reflecting broader trends in digital governance and the increasing intersection of technology with state power. As the situation evolves, it will be crucial for citizens to remain vigilant and informed about their rights in the face of these significant changes.
