The State Duma allowed convicts for drug smuggling and banditry to…

The State Duma allowed convicts for drug smuggling and banditry to sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense.

Consensus

The State Duma passed a law expanding the list of criminal convictions that allow individuals to sign military contracts with the Ministry of Defense during mobilization or wartime.
The new legislation applies to people with unsuspended or unpardoned convictions, including those convicted under specific articles of the Criminal Code.
Individuals convicted of terrorism, espionage, treason, and sexual offenses against minors are excluded from this provision.
The law was proposed by the Russian government and introduced in July 2026.
Osadovated individuals will serve in special units under enhanced supervision.

Duma deputies expressed concern about whether military experience from recruiting Wagner PMC members with subsequent mutiny was taken into account, and the Ministry of Defense assured on the Duma floor that such a situation would not be repeated. — kommersant
The law was passed in record time—only five days after being submitted to the State Duma. — meduza
There has been a recent decline in voluntary enlistment into military contracts despite high payments, fueling rumors of an upcoming mobilization that is still under discussion and may be triggered after parliamentary elections. — meduza
The government submitted the bill just one week before the end of the VIII convocation of the State Duma. — tg_faridaily24
There are reports that university leaders received informal instructions to ensure at least 2% of students sign military contracts, mainly as drone operators. — tg_faridaily24