Russian draftees barred from home until Ukraine conflict ends

The document from Kremlin officials states that the release of the mobilized "is possible in accordance with current legislation and after the cessation of circumstances that constituted the basis for the call-up of citizens for military service".

Vishnevsky interprets this to mean that the administration is referring to Decree No. 647 by President Vladimir Putin, the decree on partial mobilization, issued on September 21, 2022, which remains in effect.

Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Defense declined to set a one-year limit on the service period for the mobilized. It stated that the reservists summoned for war would be returned home only once the president issued a decree to conclude the mobilization. The timing for this decision rests with Putin, "based on the achievement of the objectives of the Special Operation." Other alternatives, such as unit rotation, were deemed "impractical".

- "This means that the mobilized will continue to serve on the front lines. It means the appeals of their wives will go unanswered. Those convicted and subsequently contracted receive a pardon and can return home after six months. However, those drafted as part of the 'partial mobilization' must continue their service," Vishnevsky explained.

The mobilization period spanned from September 21 to October 28, 2022. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, 302,503 individuals were conscripted, and 281 military units and subunits were established during this timeframe. The average age of the reservists was 35, with over half being married and 56.3 percent having children.

Source: Moscow Times