The Russian government has supported a draft law allowing the… (мчс · служба · подразделение)
The Russian government has supported a draft law allowing the recruitment of conscript soldiers to staff fire and rescue units within the Federal Fire Service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MCHS), expanding their operational scope beyond restricted facilities to include populated areas and organizations. The initiative aims to address personnel shortages in emergency services.
Consensus
- The Russian government has supported a draft law allowing conscript soldiers to serve in fire and rescue units of the Federal Fire Service (FPS) under MCHS.
- The proposed law would expand the operational scope of these units from closed, special, and restricted facilities to populated areas and organizations.
- Conscript soldiers would be involved in firefighting and emergency rescue operations.
- The draft law was submitted to the State Duma in April 2026 and has not yet been considered in its first reading.
- The initiative aims to address personnel shortages in MCHS units, which are currently undermanned.
- Corresponding agreements between MCHS and the Ministry of Defense have reportedly been reached.
Points of divergence
- The law also requires amendments to the 'Law on Fire Safety' and internal regulations of the FPS, as well as other departmental acts. — riamo
- The initiative was introduced by deputies from United Russia in April 2026. — vm
- A source close to the presidential administration (the 'White House') confirmed the government's support, alongside a source close to the legislative commission. — vesti
- Military expert Vasiliy Dandykin noted that conscripts served as rescuers during the Soviet era and were part of civil defense units under the Ministry of Defense before MCHS was established in 1990. — riamo
Coverage (3 sources)
- Shortage of rescuers: conscripts to be sent to emergency services — РИАМО
- Cabinet of Ministers Supports Dispatching Conscripts to Emergency Services — Вечерняя Москва
- Conscripts will be able to participate in firefighting and rescue operations — Вести