Putin Orders Largest Fall Military Conscription in Nine Years, Targeting 135,000 Men

Presidential Decree Issued for Fall Draft

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree ordering the conscription of 135,000 men for military service during the upcoming fall period. The order, issued on Monday, September 29, 2025, initiates a draft that will run from October 1 to December 31, 2025. This marks the largest autumn conscription drive in the Russian Federation since 2016, when 152,000 men were called up.

Combined with the 160,000 men drafted during the spring 2025 campaign, the total number of conscripts for the year 2025 is set to be the highest since 2016.

Details of the Conscription Campaign

The conscription targets Russian men aged 18 to 30 years old. This age range reflects a change implemented in 2023, which raised the upper age limit for conscription from 27 to 30, effective January 1, 2024. Conscripts are expected to serve for a period of one year.

Official statements from the Russian Ministry of Defense emphasize that these conscripts are intended for service at military bases within Russia and are legally not to be deployed to fight in Ukraine. Vice Admiral Vladimir Tsimlyansky, deputy chief of the Russian Army's General Staff, reiterated this, stating that conscripts would not be sent to the conflict zone. However, reports have indicated instances where conscripted men have been sent to the front lines or pressured to sign contracts that could lead to deployment.

Context and Future Changes to the Draft System

This fall conscription is part of Russia's routine biannual draft system, which includes both spring and autumn campaigns, and is distinct from wartime mobilization. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin has consistently increased the number of conscripts. President Putin has also ordered an expansion of the military, aiming for 1.5 million active soldiers by 2026.

Looking ahead, Russia is moving towards a year-round conscription model. A bill to this effect has passed its first reading in the State Duma and is anticipated to take effect in early 2026. Furthermore, in certain regions, including Moscow, digital summons will be exclusively used for the draft. Failure to respond to these electronic notices can result in automatic restrictions, such as travel bans.