How does Russia plan to use technology to track down military conscription evaders?

2023-04-14 08:43:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

How does Russia plan to use technology to track down military conscription

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For the first time, Russia is ready to introduce the project for electronic military registration, in an attempt to increase its military forces in Ukraine and pursue those who avoid registration.

Below are some essential facts about the military registration procedures in Russia, what is planned to change and why.

How do Russians register in the army?

One-year service in the Russian army is compulsory for all men between the ages of 18 and 27. There are two annual recruitment periods: spring and autumn. Consecutive mobilizations could also be announced - such as the one announced last year that recruited over 300,000 men to fight in Ukraine - targeting men in a much wider age range.

According to the system that exists until now, men are sent a request in the form of a letter to join the army, the call is sent to them at home or at the place of work.

They must personally sign the document as confirmation of its acceptance. In the letter sent, they are asked to appear by a certain date at one of the offices for military registration.

However, it can be difficult for military recruiters and the police to send such documents or find these people, as they often lack their most recent home addresses.

How will Russian men be recruited in the future?

Under the new plan, Russian men will start receiving the call by registered mail, as well as through their accounts on the online public service portal Gosuslugi, which is the same website used to assign doctor's appointment or to manage state pensions.

The old system of submitting claims in person will also remain in place. The new rules will apply to both conscripts and men targeted for military mobilization.

Electronic subpoenas will have legal effect from the moment they are delivered to one's personal account, regardless of whether the account holder has seen it or not.

If for any reason the invitation cannot be delivered electronically, it will be deemed delivered seven days after its publication in a newly created "call log".

How will Russia deal with draft dodgers?

Those who do not report to the military registration office by the required date after receiving the electronic summons are immediately prohibited from traveling abroad.

The ban will be indefinite, until the person reports to a military registration office.

A "unified military record" will contain information about anyone who has been barred from leaving the country, and border guards will have access to it.

If someone evades conscription, the authorities will be empowered to take tougher measures such as imposing a driving ban, a ban on taking out loans and mortgages, restrictions on receiving benefits and certain state payments.

In addition, the criminal responsibility for avoiding recruitment will remain in force. Russian citizens, currently, face a sentence of two years in prison for avoiding military service./ Rel