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Putin Launches Largest Autumn Draft Since 2016

9/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On September 29, 2025, Vladimir Putin signed a decree launching Russia's autumn draft, October 1–December 31.
The draft will conscript 135,000 citizens aged 18–30, the largest autumn intake since 2016.
The Russian State Duma approved year-round conscription, effective January 1, 2026.
Conscripts will serve only within Russia, not in Ukraine, with two recruitment waves in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Crimea.

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Story summary

On September 29, 2025, Vladimir Putin signed a decree launching Russia's autumn draft, October 1–December 31.
The draft will conscript 135,000 citizens aged 18–30, the largest autumn intake since 2016.
The Russian State Duma approved year-round conscription, effective January 1, 2026.
Conscripts will serve only within Russia, not in Ukraine, with two recruitment waves in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Crimea.