British intelligence: Russia anticipates lengthy conflict in Ukraine as result of e-call-up papers

The Russian State Duma adopted a law on April 11, 2023, establishing a unified registry of individuals eligible for military service.

The key implication of the measure is that in the future, the authorities will be able to serve call-up papers electronically, rather than by letter, removing one obstacle which has previously allowed some to dodge the draft, Caliber.Az reports citing the Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine, which is published by the UK Defence Ministry.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 15 April 2023.

Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/erIQRdS2j7

🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/d6r1i48JOO

— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) April 15, 2023

With individuals’ call-up data now digitally linked to other state-provided online services, it is likely that the authorities will punish draft dodgers by automatically limiting employment rights and restricting foreign travel.

The measures are reported to be coming into force later in the year; they do not specifically indicate any major new wave of enforced mobilisation.

Russia is, for now, prioritising a drive to recruit extra volunteer troops. However, the measure is highly likely part of a longer-term approach to provide personnel as Russia anticipates a lengthy conflict in Ukraine.