Amidst the establishment of new migration control points at Russian airports, authorities have begun issuing military draft summonses to arriving citizens, particularly those who are naturalized. Reports from state-run media show that individuals, not just foreign nationals, are being intercepted upon arrival and served with draft notices, even with return tickets. This practice has raised concerns about ethnic profiling, as military law experts suggest the focus is on men of non-Slavic appearance due to limited resources for checking all male passengers. Naturalized citizens face greater risks compared to native-born Russians.
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In response to perceived threats from Russia and shifts in US foreign policy, Germany is aiming to bolster its military. A new bill aims to increase the number of soldiers to 260,000, with an additional 200,000 reservists by 2035. The plan includes financial incentives for voluntary enlistment and the potential for mandatory call-ups if quotas aren’t met. While the government is optimistic, the reintroduction of any mandatory conscription has sparked debate, with concerns about its impact on young people and differing views on the necessity of military service.
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Amidst global uncertainties and escalating tensions, French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly preparing to announce the establishment of a voluntary military service in the coming days. This initiative, under consideration for several months, aims to bolster France’s capacity for collective reaction, especially in light of the enduring threat posed by Russia to Europe. Macron had previously alluded to this idea in July, emphasizing the need for a nation capable of resisting and mobilizing its resources, with decisions expected in the autumn. The Ministry of Defence has remained tight-lipped regarding specific details such as the duration and cost of the service.
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In a move to bolster its military, Russia’s State Duma approved a bill shifting towards year-round conscription starting next year. The legislation allows draft boards to conduct enlistment procedures throughout the year, though conscripts will still be sent to service during the traditional spring and autumn periods. A significant amendment introduces a 30-day expiration for electronic draft notices, streamlining the process. This reform, pending further approvals, aims to improve recruitment efficiency and distribute the workload for military offices, ultimately enhancing conscription quality.
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On September 29, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree mandating a military draft for the autumn of 2025, spanning October 1 to December 31. This draft will enlist 135,000 Russian citizens aged 18 to 30. Russian officials have stated that draftees will serve within Russia’s borders and will not be deployed to Ukraine. Simultaneously, Russia is contemplating a major overhaul of its conscription system, potentially implementing continuous, year-round draft procedures due to significant military losses in Ukraine.
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Russians Eligible for Military Service Are Being Blocked From Traveling Abroad
Let’s get right into it: Russians who are eligible for military service are facing travel restrictions. The situation seems to be tightening, and it’s affecting a lot of people, especially men of a certain age. It’s a direct result of Russia’s ongoing involvement in the war in Ukraine, and it’s creating a complex set of challenges.
In Russia, like in many countries, there’s mandatory military service. Generally, if you’re a man, you’re expected to serve for a year or two after you turn 18, depending on the circumstances. Traditionally, there have been ways to avoid it: you could get a deferment by going to university, taking specific jobs, or even resorting to less savory means.… Continue reading
South Korea’s military has shrunk by 20% in six years as the male population drops, and it’s a significant shift with far-reaching implications. The defense forces have been steadily declining since the early 2000s, and this trend has been accelerating in recent years. The primary driver is the shrinking pool of young men eligible for conscription, a consequence of the country’s plummeting birth rate.
Between 2019 and 2025, the population of 20-year-old males, the prime age for military service, has taken a dramatic dip. Government data reveals a staggering 30% decline in this age group. This stark demographic reality is forcing the military to adapt, especially as the mandatory service period has been reduced to 18 months.… Continue reading
United Torah Judaism (UTJ), an ultra-Orthodox party, has resigned from Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition due to the failure to pass a bill exempting yeshiva students from military service. Six of UTJ’s seven remaining members submitted their resignations, leaving Netanyahu with a very narrow parliamentary majority. The departure stems from a long-standing dispute regarding mandatory military service, an issue that has intensified due to the ongoing war in Gaza and a Supreme Court ruling ending the exemption. The ultra-Orthodox parties had viewed the exemption as a critical commitment for their coalition membership.
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The state has been acquitted in a case where seven former residents of the Erritsøhus children’s home each sought 300,000 kroner in compensation for violations of human rights, according to Copenhagen City Court. The former residents sued the Ministry of Social Affairs, Housing and Elderly Affairs last year for failing to intervene during their time at the children’s home between the 1950s and 1970s. Before the trial began, the Ministry of Social Affairs refused to pay compensation, citing a lack of concrete evidence of abuse and neglect.
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Denmark has implemented a new law requiring women to participate in a lottery system for conscription, joining men in potentially undertaking 11 months of military service. This shift, effective Tuesday, aims to increase the number of individuals in military service, with expectations for an increase to 6,500 annually by 2033. The change, mirroring policies in Sweden and Norway, coincides with Denmark’s increased defense spending to meet NATO targets and address heightened security concerns in Europe. The current security situation is the driving force behind the decision, seeking to boost combat power.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood