Russia’s government has taken a significant step toward enhancing its military capabilities by endorsing draft legislation that would enable the deployment of reservists for defense-related missions abroad, even during peacetime. This development, reported by state media, signals a shift in the legal framework governing military service and the use of military resources.
The proposal, crafted by the Ministry of Defense and supported by the government’s legislative commission, aims to amend existing federal laws concerning defense, military duty, and the status of servicemen. If enacted, the legislation would permit reservists who have entered into contracts to be called up for service not just in times of war or formal mobilization, but also during peacetime for specific operational tasks.
Under the proposed changes, reservists could be activated by presidential command to engage in what the bill defines as “special training assemblies.” These assemblies would facilitate the execution of defense-related missions in a range of contexts, including armed conflicts, counterterrorism operations, and international missions involving the use of force. Notably, the deployments would be limited to a duration of two months, with participants receiving additional compensation for their involvement.
Presently, Russian law restricts the service of reservists to active wartime scenarios or during officially declared mobilization periods. Andrei Kartapolov, the head of the State Duma’s Defense Committee, indicated that the new proposal would provide the Defense Ministry with greater flexibility to mobilize reservists under various circumstances without necessitating new legislative approvals for each instance. He emphasized that the inclusion of operations “outside Russian territory” aligns with current military realities, referring to ongoing hostilities in regions like Sumy and Kharkiv.
This legislative push comes on the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which Moscow has characterized as a “special military operation” rather than an outright war. This critical distinction has allowed the Kremlin to sidestep a formal declaration of full mobilization while continuing extensive military operations. However, the absence of a formal wartime framework has compelled the Russian government to seek frequent legal modifications to support its prolonged military endeavors.
The concept of a mobilization reserve in Russia was established through a presidential decree in 2015, allowing citizens to voluntarily enlist for reserve service. These reservists participate in annual training exercises and receive stipends in return for their readiness to be activated. Following the partial mobilization order issued by President Vladimir Putin in September 2022, former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu noted that Russia could potentially draw upon a vast mobilization resource of around 25 million individuals.
Should this new legislation receive approval from lawmakers, it would further formalize Russia’s capacity for overseas military operations and enhance its standing reserve forces, expanding the framework for military engagement even without a formal declaration of war.
