Russian Government Proposes Expanding Eligible Convicts for Military Contracts Amid Mobilization

The Russian government has submitted a legislative proposal to the State Duma that seeks to broaden the categories of convicted individuals eligible to sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense during periods of mobilization, martial law, and wartime. The bill, published on the lower house’s website on July 17, includes convicts charged under several serious criminal code articles, signaling a shift in recruitment policies amid ongoing military pressures.

Expanding Eligibility to Convicts of Serious Crimes

The proposed law would allow individuals convicted for participation in banditry (part 2, article 209 of the Criminal Code), organized crime groups (part 2, article 210), and drug smuggling (article 229.1, excluding the most severe organized group offenses) to enlist under contract. Also included are those involved in the organization of illegal migration groups (part 2, article 322.1), illegal possession or theft of nuclear and radioactive materials (articles 220 and 221), cash smuggling (article 200.1), and loss of documents containing state secrets (article 284).

The explanatory note to the bill indicates that amendments will be made to Article 34 of the Federal Law "On Military Duty and Military Service" and Article 78 of the Criminal Code. Importantly, the government emphasizes that the legislation will not result in adverse socioeconomic or financial effects, nor will it negatively impact the achievement of state program goals.

"The adoption of the bill will not have negative social, economic, or financial consequences and will not adversely affect the attainment of state objectives," the explanatory note states.

Context of Increased Military Recruitment Efforts

Amid ongoing military operations, Russia has implemented new measures to boost enlistment of contract soldiers. In late May, President Vladimir Putin extended a law that allows debt forgiveness for new contract soldiers as an incentive. Recruitment efforts have also extended beyond Russia’s borders, with reported enlistment drives in Belarus and China targeting Russian-speaking populations.

Domestically, in the Penza region, military enlistment offices have reportedly conducted raids on men to coerce contract signings. The Higher School of Economics (HSE) has also introduced incentives, offering to cover tuition expenses for applicants who sign contracts to serve in specialized military units, such as the "BARS" unit or unmanned systems troops.

Meanwhile, Russian-language media increasingly discuss the possibility of a new mobilization. The partial mobilization campaign initially launched in late September 2022 and continued until early October remains active under presidential decree, as confirmed by official sources in early 2023.

Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified that the decree regulating partial mobilization also governs other military measures and remains in force to support the armed forces’ operational tasks.