Wed Apr 16 11:28:42 UTC 2025: ## Crackdown on Draft Dodgers as Russia’s War in Ukraine Mounts Heavy Casualties

**Moscow, Russia** – With over 100,000 Russian soldiers reportedly killed in Ukraine, the Kremlin is tightening its grip on draft dodgers, launching its largest conscription drive since 2011. The new drive aims to enlist 160,000 men aged 18-30, bolstering the armed forces to 2.5 million personnel as ordered by President Putin last year.

This intensified effort is causing widespread anxiety among young Russian men. Bogdan, a 21-year-old near Moscow, describes hiding from authorities after being summoned despite a hypertension diagnosis. His attempts to appeal the draft have been unsuccessful, forcing him into hiding. His case highlights the increasingly difficult situation for those seeking to avoid conscription.

Rights advocates report that loopholes previously used to evade service are rapidly closing. Ivan Chuviliaev of the organization “Go By The Forest,” which assists draft dodgers, points to several key changes: the extension of the conscription age to 30, the validity of draft board decisions being extended to a full year, and a relaxation of medical exemption criteria. He also notes the introduction of sanctions for non-compliance, including loan and travel bans.

While conscripts are not officially deployed to the front lines, Oleg Ignatov, a senior Russia analyst at Crisis Group, notes that they can be deployed to regions bordering Ukraine, putting them at risk of combat. The increased danger is a major factor driving many young men to evade conscription. Several incidents have seen conscripts illegally signed into contracts, highlighting the risks of even indirect interaction with the Ministry of Defence.

Mikhail Liberov of the Conscientious Objectors’ Movement emphasizes that while the likelihood of a conscript seeing combat is low, coercion and illegal contract signings remain significant threats. He notes the failure of the prosecutor’s office to effectively protect conscripts’ rights in many cases.

Legal avenues for avoiding conscription remain, including medical exemptions, court appeals, higher education deferments, and alternative civil service. However, these options require proactive action and often face bureaucratic hurdles. Leaving the country is another option, but it requires a passport, which can be difficult to obtain without military documentation. The most common response for many remains going into hiding, though this is increasingly difficult due to Russia’s advanced surveillance systems. The combination of high casualties, increased enforcement and limited options is leaving many young Russian men facing a difficult choice.

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