Russia Implements Electronic Call-Up Papers to Prevent Draft Dodging and Tighten Conscription Laws

Russian lawmakers have approved changes to the country's military conscription rules that would make it easier to summon recruits and prevent them from fleeing the country amid fears of a new draft for the war in Ukraine. The new bill would require conscripts and other men eligible for military service to show up to recruitment offices after being notified not only physically, but also online. Those who refuse to show up for service would face restrictions including being blocked from leaving Russia. The electronic summons bill did not appear on the Duma’s website until a few hours ahead of its expected passing on Tuesday.