Russia Implements Tough New Military Draft Rules to Boost Recruitment

The Russian parliament has passed a controversial bill tightening military draft rules in just 23 minutes, paving the way for a second wave of mobilization. The bill was rushed through the State Duma with unusual speed and secrecy, with several lawmakers complaining they were only shown the full text an hour before the session began. The law requires men eligible for military service to show up to recruitment offices after receiving an online summons and blocks anyone eligible for military service who has received a summons from leaving the country. The secrecy surrounding the bill and the nature of the media coverage were an attempt to minimize negative publicity that could dent Putin’s popularity.