Russian lawmakers introduce bill to allow year-round military conscription

The chair and deputy chair of the Russian State Duma’s Defense Committee have introduced a bill that would allow military conscription (not to be confused with mobilization) to take place year-round if authorized by a presidential decree.

An explanatory note accompanying the bill says that conducting medical exams, psychological assessments, and draft board meetings throughout the year would help ease the burden on enlistment offices and improve the overall quality of mandatory military service.

Currently, conscription in Russia takes place twice a year — between April 1 and July 15, and again from October 1 to December 31 — under existing presidential decrees.