Putin starts year-round conscription, mobilizes reservists - ISW
Illustrative photo: Putin starts year-round conscription and mobilizes reservists (Getty Images)
The Kremlin tightens its draft system and the use of reservists amid heavy losses in the war against Ukraine, which indicates Russia's growing problems with staffing its armed forces, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Strenthening reservists' mobilization
The Kremlin continues efforts to forcibly mobilize active reservists, likely intended for future deployment in combat operations against Ukraine. These steps reflect Russia's acute need for manpower amid disproportionately high casualties and minimal territorial gains.
On December 30, Russian leader Vladimir Putin signed a decree authorizing the deployment of active reservists to special training camps to protect critical infrastructure starting from 2026.
Losses outpace recruitment
Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that Russia had met its 2025 recruitment target by enlisting approximately 406,000 people. However, total Russian military losses over the same period exceeded 410,000 soldiers.
According to the ISW, Russian forces operated across nearly 4,900 square kilometers in 2025, indicating at least 83 losses per square kilometer, underscoring the critical inefficiency of Russia's offensive operations.
Risk to Russia's internal stability
ISW analysts note that the involvement of reservists in combat is a risky domestic political strategy for the Kremlin. Such actions could undermine the unwritten social contract between the authorities and the population, under which most citizens are not directly drawn into the war.
The Kremlin is expected to use reservists only in cases of critical necessity.
Year-round conscription
On December 29, Putin also signed a decree shifting the conscription system from the traditional spring–fall format to a year-round administrative cycle. This means draft offices will operate year-round, giving them greater flexibility in recruiting conscripts.
In 2026, Russia officially plans to draft 261,000 people for military service. During the 2025 fall draft, 135,000 conscripts were mobilized.
Kremlin simplifies conscription procedures
In April 2025, Putin signed a law that significantly simplified the bureaucratic actions for drafting men of fighting age. This allowed Russian authorities to process candidates more quickly and reduce administrative barriers.
Analysts believe these steps are aimed at the long-term expansion of Russia’s armed forces—not only for the war against Ukraine, but also in preparation for the potential future conflict with NATO.
Mobilization in Russia
According to earlier reports, the Russian command began forming assault units staffed by women amid heavy losses in the Pokrovsk direction.
There have also been reports of large-scale recruitment of reservists in Russia under the pretext of guarding critical infrastructure. Based on available information, such units have begun to form in at least 20 regions nationwide. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has signed a decree on the matter in recent days.
At the same time, ISW analysts note that under this guise, the Kremlin conducts forced partial conscription as part of creating a so-called active reserve. Despite official statements, this staff is being prepared for combat operations against Ukraine.
In addition, Russia’s occupation authorities attempt to legalize the forced mobilization of residents of temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. Russia has adopted a law allowing conscription throughout the entire year—from January 1 to December 31—formally extending it to the occupied Ukrainian regions as well.
