Russia to Deploy Reservists for Drone Defense of Critical Infrastructure

Russia Mobilizes Reservists Against Drone Threat

The Russian Federation's military leadership announced on October 22 its intention to deploy reservists to safeguard critical infrastructure from ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks. This measure comes in response to a significant increase in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) strikes targeting Russian energy and transportation facilities.

Vice Admiral Vladimir Tsimlyansky, deputy chief of the Russian General Staff's Main Organizational-Mobilization Directorate, stated that the initiative would utilize new draft legislation proposed by the Ministry of Defense (MOD). The bill, approved by the government's legislative commission in mid-October, was submitted to the State Duma on October 23.

New Legislation for 'Special Musters'

The proposed draft law specifically targets 'rezervisty,' individuals who have voluntarily signed contracts to be part of the 'mobilization human reserve.' Under this new legislation, these reservists can be summoned for 'special musters' or 'special assemblies' to perform defense-related duties in peacetime. This expands upon previous laws that only permitted the use of reservists during wartime or formal mobilization.

Key provisions of the new deployment include:

• Reservists will operate exclusively within their home regions.
• They will not be deployed to the front lines in Ukraine or assigned tasks outside the Russian Federation.
• Participation in these musters will involve extra pay and will last no more than two months.
• Reservists are expected to retain their ordinary jobs and salaries during their service.

Before deployment, reservists will undergo specialized training, including instruction in firearms, engineering, and medical skills, provided by Defense Ministry instructors with combat experience. They will be assigned to 'mobile fire teams' equipped with various anti-drone measures, such as truck-mounted machine guns, rifles, shotguns, and drone detectors.

Context of Escalating Drone Attacks

The decision to muster reservists is a direct response to a sustained campaign of Ukrainian deep-strike drone attacks that have targeted Russian energy infrastructure. Ukraine has reportedly conducted dozens of strikes against Russian oil refineries and other critical facilities since August, leading to fuel shortages and price increases.

Recent incidents include a Ukrainian drone strike on an electrical substation in Volgograd Oblast on October 25, marking the second such attack in the region within two weeks. These attacks underscore the heightened threat environment cited by Russian military officials.

Strategic Implications

Analysts suggest that this move aims to bolster domestic defenses without resorting to another large-scale, politically sensitive mobilization, while also freeing up regular troops for deployment in Ukraine. While the exact number of reservists to be affected remains unclear, some officials have suggested it could involve up to 2 million people. The initiative reflects Moscow's growing concern over the effectiveness and frequency of Ukrainian long-range drone operations deep within Russian territory.