Russia announces year-round military conscription for 2026

The Russian Ministry of Defence has issued an order mandating year-round military conscription throughout 2026, the ministry announced on Telegram.

According to the directive, Defence Minister Andrei Belousov has instructed commanders of military districts and military commissars to coordinate with executive authorities and local governments to organize and implement continuous conscription from January 1 to December 31, 2026.

The measures will apply to men aged 18 to 30 who are not currently in the reserve and are liable for military service. The same order also directs the discharge of soldiers, sailors, sergeants, and petty officers whose terms of service have ended.

Thus, the Kremlin plans to enlist 261,000 soldiers into the army.

At the same time, earlier in Russia, conscription took place twice a year – during the spring and autumn waves.

Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov says that Russia will exceed its 2025 army recruitment goal. By early December, Russia has hit its target of 403,000 recruits.

By Vafa Guliyeva