The new decree of President Vladimir Putin was issued in the context of the conflict with Ukraine not cooling down.
On September 29, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an official decree on the fall military recruitment in 2025. According to the document posted on the official legal information portal, from October 1 to December 31, 2025, 135,000 Russian citizens aged 18-30, not on the reserve list, will have to perform mandatory military service.
The decree also stipulates the discharge of soldiers, marines, non-commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers who have completed their service term. The Russian government, regional governments and military consulates are tasked with ensuring all military service is carried out in accordance with regulations.
Federal ministers, leaders of service agencies and affiliated organizations are also required to coordinate in implementing the calling for military service for citizens working in the state agency system.
Military service in Russia has long been considered an important part of defense policy. According to current law, male citizens aged 18 to 30, who are not on the reserve, must serve 1 year in the army. Draft calls are made periodically in the spring and fall each year.
This move continues to show that Russia maintains its annual military recruitment process, but comes amid military tensions in Ukraine and international pressure that have not cooled down.
The large-scale military call-up at the end of the year is seen as an additional effort, while strengthening Russia's military presence in the region.
