As of April 1, 2025, Russia has officially commenced its spring conscription campaign, aiming to enlist 160,000 citizens aged 18 to 30. This initiative, according to the decree from President Vladimir Putin, will run until July 15, 2025, and is reported by Russian Gazette. The Ministry of Defense has emphasized that this conscription is routine and not connected to the ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
Vice Admiral Vladimir Tsymlyansky, deputy head of the Main Organizational and Mobilization Directorate of the General Staff, reassured the public that none of the conscripts would be deployed to the new regions of Russia—specifically the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, as well as the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions—for military operations. Instead, all conscripts will be stationed at permanent military units within Russia.
This year's conscription marks the largest effort in the past 14 years, with a significant increase in the number of recruits compared to previous years. For context, in the spring of 2022, 134,500 individuals were drafted, and in the fall, 120,000. The second year of the ongoing conflict saw 147,000 conscripts in the spring and 130,000 in the fall. In 2024, the numbers remained high with 150,000 in spring and 133,000 in autumn.
While the government insists that the conscription is standard procedure, many young men are actively seeking ways to avoid service. Reports indicate that the military medical commission has become a mere formality, with many deemed fit for service without thorough evaluations. This has left some individuals feeling trapped, either choosing to hide or pursue alternative civilian service (AGS) as a means to evade military duty.
Aleksey, a 21-year-old from Vologda, has been attempting to secure AGS for three years. Having completed his education in carpentry, he expresses a strong desire to avoid military service. "If they take me to the unit, I will resist to the end, even if they beat me. I won’t wear the uniform or take the oath until they get tired of torturing me and send me back," he stated. Aleksey has faced repeated rejections from military commissions regarding his AGS application, often meeting aggressive responses from officials.
His mother, Nadya, supports his decision wholeheartedly. She recalls the stories of classmates who returned from previous conflicts, like Afghanistan and Chechnya, with severe psychological scars. "I decided that if I had a son, I would do everything to prevent him from going to the army," she said, reflecting a sentiment shared by many in her community.
Meanwhile, Konstantin, a 22-year-old from Moscow, has been evading conscription since turning 18. Living in a city filled with surveillance, he finds it challenging to escape the watchful eyes of military officials. He recounts a harrowing experience when police came to his home, forcing him to stay hidden for an extended period. "I feel like a hunted animal, constantly on the run between conscription periods," he lamented.
Experts have warned that new legislation allows conscripts to be summoned at any time throughout the year based on a single decision from the draft board. This means that notices received during the spring conscription will remain valid for subsequent calls, complicating the situation for those trying to avoid military service.
As the conscription process unfolds, the use of a state information system will play a critical role. Notifications will be sent via printed notices and registered letters to conscripts' residences, while electronic notifications will be dispatched through the Gosuslugi portal. Before being deployed, conscripts will receive all necessary allowances and provisions, including bank cards and personal items.
Despite the government's assurances, the atmosphere surrounding this year's conscription is tense. Many young men are grappling with their fears and anxieties about military service, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The emotional toll is palpable, with some individuals like Aleksey and Konstantin feeling the weight of societal expectations and the harsh realities of military life.
As Aleksey continues to navigate the complexities of his situation, he remains determined to fight for his right to refuse military service. He draws inspiration from those who have successfully obtained AGS before him, though he acknowledges that such cases are few and far between. "I want to stay here in Vologda with my family and friends. I won’t let anyone take me away from them," he declared.
In a stark contrast, some families express pride in their sons serving in the military, viewing it as a noble duty. However, Nadya and Aleksey find themselves at odds with this perspective. "Many believe that being a hero is more important than having a living son," she remarked, reflecting the deep divisions in public opinion regarding military service.
As the spring conscription progresses, the situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments as young men like Aleksey and Konstantin continue their struggle against the draft. With new rules in place and the looming presence of military authorities, the stakes have never been higher for those seeking to avoid military service in Russia today.
