Putin made a decision. 130 thousand people will join the army
Vladimir Putin has signed a decree on conscription into mandatory military service. The document indicates that this autumn, 130 thousand people will be called up to the army. The fine for failing to respond to the draft board's call has also been increased - reports Kommersant.
Sep 30, 2023 | updated: 9:07 AM EDT, October 5, 2023
As reported by Kommersant, citizens aged 18 to 27 who meet health requirements and are not in reserve will be called to duty. The fall draft will begin on October 1 and end on December 31.
The deputy head of the General Staff, Wladimir Cymalanski, emphasized that conscripts will not be sent to new regions to participate in the war with Ukraine. He assured that they will be immediately released and sent home after their military service.
Increasing the penalty for not reporting to the draft board
Additionally, from October 1, the penalty for not appearing at the draft office without a legitimate reason will increase. The maximum penalty will be 30,000 rubles, which is about 300 dollars.
In the spring draft of 2023, 147 thousand people were called to military service. However, the previous year's autumn draft began a month later. The delay was due to a mobilization, which took place from September 21 to October 31. In 2022, as many as 120 thousand people were drafted into the military.
Russia intends to continue using private military companies
As reported in the daily intelligence update, Russian authorities have published a video in which President Vladimir Putin met with the former chief of staff of the Wagner Group, Andrey Troshev, entrusting him with the task of overseeing and creating new "volunteer combat units". Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov also participated in the meeting.
It was indicated that during the Wagner Group's rebellion in June 2023, Troszew took a position in the official security forces. He was likely involved in encouraging other Wagnerians to sign contracts, which contributed to the rebellion and therefore many veterans likely consider him a traitor.
- Presidential endorsement for Troszew and Jewkurow indicates Russia's continued use of volunteer units and private military companies, as well as planning for the future of Wagner's group. Russia is ready to leverage the experience of veterans who can demonstrate their loyalty to the state and further engage in the global South, but likely under increased supervision from the Kremlin - has been assessed.
