**Russia to Draft Citizens Year-Round Under Proposed Continuous Mobilization**
The Russian government has proposed a significant change in the way it conscripts citizens for military service. According to a draft law, conscription will no longer be limited to two waves per year, but will instead take place continuously throughout the calendar year.
This shift in approach is likely a response to the enormous losses Russia has suffered as it wages war against Ukraine. With thousands of troops lost and many more injured or killed, Moscow may feel compelled to find new ways to maintain its military strength.
Under the current system, Russians are drafted into the military in two waves each year – in the spring and autumn. The proposed change would mean that conscription could take place at any time during the calendar year, with citizens potentially being called up for duty on short notice.
While most conscripts will still be deployed to their assigned roles in two main periods – from April to July and from October to December – the new system would provide greater flexibility for the Russian military. This is likely intended to help Russia respond more effectively to changing circumstances on the battlefield.
**A New Era of Continuous Mobilization?**
The proposed bill was submitted to Russia’s parliament, Duma Defense Committee Chairman Andrei Kartapolov, and his deputy Andrei Krasov. The involvement of these key officials suggests that the Russian Defense Ministry is behind the proposal, and it is likely to be passed.
Independent media outlets have reported that the Russian Duma’s current spring sessions will end on July 23, with the bill expected to be passed this autumn. If approved, the new law would come into force on January 1, 2026.
**The Human Cost of War**
As Russia continues to wage war against Ukraine, the human cost of conflict becomes increasingly clear. According to recent reports from the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Russia has lost over 1 million troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.
Independent media outlet Mediazona has also reported that 119,154 Russian military personnel have been killed in Ukraine, with their identities verified by Russian independent media outlets and international partners like the BBC.
**What’s Next?**
As Russia considers implementing a new system of continuous mobilization, one thing is clear: the human cost of war will continue to be felt on both sides. The proposed change may help Russia maintain its military strength, but it also raises questions about the impact on Russian citizens and society as a whole.
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