Russia Expands Military Contract Access for Convicted Citizens
The State Duma adopted the law at its Wednesday session in first and combined reading, clarifying the circle of persons with whom a contract for military service in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation may be concluded during mobilization, martial law, or wartime.
Consensus
- The Russian State Duma approved a law expanding the ability of individuals with unsuspended or unexpunged criminal records to sign military service contracts during mobilization, wartime, or military emergency.
- The law amends Article 34 of the 'On Military Duty and Military Service' law.
- The law removes barriers for individuals convicted of certain non-violent crimes, including smuggling of strategic goods, cultural valuables, endangered species, and narcotics.
- Individuals convicted of terrorism, espionage, treason, or sexual offenses against minors remain barred from signing military contracts.
- The law will enter into force 10 days after official publication, following presidential signature.
- The law was passed in all three readings and was adopted in a single session.
Points of divergence
- The law was approved by the Council of Federation, not the State Duma. — m24
- The law was passed in third reading and includes a reference to President Putin's promise in March 2025 to grant veteran status to participants of the special military operation who came from prison. — vedomosti
- The law was passed in first reading and immediately adopted in full, and it was passed as part of a package including a change to Article 78(1) of the Criminal Code. — interfax
- The law also introduces fines up to 100,000 rubles for violations of special regimes in military settlements, with penalties ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles for individuals. — m24
Coverage (4 sources)
- SFR expanded the ability to conclude a contract with the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for convicted citizens — Москва 24
- State Duma expanded the list of convicted citizens who can sign a contract with the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation — Ведомости
- State Duma approved expansion of opportunities for convicted individuals to sign a contract with the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation — Вести
- State Duma expanded the circle of convicted persons who can sign a contract with the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation — Интерфакс