Military exercises for Russian reservists were scheduled earlier than usual in 2025. But why? And what are the consequences of this prematurity for war in Ukraine?
To “improve the training training of the reserve”, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on the organization of military training in 2025. Calls can be issued to reserve military personnel up to 50; non -commissioned officers up to 60 years old; Higher officers up to 65 years old; and those of even higher patents, with up to 70 years.
These exercises are performed every year in Russia, but since the beginning of the war against Ukraine three years ago, they have been increasingly long. In addition, the maximum age of recruits and the fine for not attending military training was increased to 30 thousand rubles (about 300 euros).
However, the discussion on Russian social networks revolves around the reason why defense exercises are being programmed anytime soon. In 2024 Putin ordered them to happen in March and, in 2023, in May.
“Should we have a new mobilization?” Asks a user from the Russian network Vkontakte. “Now, Many will leave the country again“It adds another.
Of military exercises for the war in Ukraine?
The Russian law provides for people to participate in a military exercise of about two months and to train the use of military weapons and equipment. Before the war against Ukraine, these exercises were essentially formal in nature. Although it was mandatory, very few people participated. Those who ignored them faced a fine of 500 rubles (about 30 reais).
Since 2022, military exercises have been performed throughout the year, explains Artyom Klyga, lawyer of the movement of objectors of consciousness of Russia. “In fact, it can be said that the military training ordered last year are still running,” he says in an interview with DW. This may be related to “Need for people” in the face of “exhaustion of the Russian army”.
According to Klyga, a defense exercise offers an additional opportunity to recruit soldiers for the war against Ukraine, as during training it is easier to “force someone to sign a contract through isolation, mistake or even threats.”
The lawyer explains that training also serves to grant higher patents and improve specializations, allowing a more accurate planning of mobilization. In addition, Russians are attracted to the enlistment offices for “data comparison”. Reservists can be processed if they attend a workout and then simply leave.
“Before a medical examination at the recruitment office, it is possible to leave the country without hesitation,” says the activist, noting that there is no prohibition of exit yet. But it should be noted that this can happen when the Central Digital Recruitment Register, which is currently being created, is completely operational.
What is behind Putin’s decree?
Secret provisions usually specify the number of recruits and the tasks planned in the regions, explains the former Duma deputy, Yevgeny Stupin. This information can be used to identify the goals and objectives of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Stupin warns against excessive confidence in the guarantees of the Russian authorities that, according to the law, no one can be sent to war from a defense exercise. The politician points to a part of the decree that allows the reservists to serve in the National Guard and the FSB domestic intelligence service.
“I would like to remember that National Guard is a force of law enforcement in Ukraine territories occupied by the Russian army and that FSB staff keeps borders and is often involved in combat with the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the regions of Kursk and Belgorod. ”
Artyom Klyga says that Reservists could be sent to both Kursk and Belgorod regions and to the territories occupied by Russiafor service or training with the National Guard or the FSB. “The law does not prohibit this, there are no legal obstacles, but we have not yet registered any case,” says the Human Rights activist.
The Idite Lesom movement, a Georgia -based organization that helps Russian deserters, did not know of men sent to war from military training. But it advises that no one tries to find out for himself, “It is better to ignore such a call.”
Russian plans for a native war?
Russian authorities insist that there are no plans for a new mobilization and that the expansion of the army happens informal. Andrei Kartapolov, a member of the Duma Defense Committee, told Russian news agency Tass that about a thousand men perform every day to recruitment offices and sign contracts voluntarily, and stressed that the Russian army was “advancing in dozens of fronts every day. ”
The Russian army is indeed advanced in eastern Ukraine, but the intensity has diminished, says Ruslan Leviev, founder of the independent investigative organization Conflict Intelligence Team. The opposition activist explains that while the Russian army is able to replenish his ranks with soldiers, he cannot simply compensate for the scarcity of officers.
Simultaneously, more and more voices ask to be prepared for a war against the “collective West”. This would happen, as the first vice president of the Duma Defense Committee said, Alexei Zhuravlyov, to the Russian portal Absatz.Media, if Western countries came into the war. Zhuravlyov believes Russia should replenish its mobilization reserves and prepare for such a situation.
But, according to Moscow’s former Deputy Yevgeny Stupin, current exercises should not be interpreted as a warning to the West. Before that, he believes that Putin is trying to get quick results in front of battle“This is why he has accelerated regular soldiers recruitment, not letting the mobilized go away and also to use reservists.”
