Putin Eyes Large-Scale Conscription... Real Estate Transactions Restricted for Young Men

More Deaths and Serious Injuries Than Newly Mobilized Troops

The Russian government has reportedly introduced new regulations requiring young people to submit military service documents when conducting real estate transactions or other similar activities, in an effort to deter draft evasion. This move is believed to be part of preparations for military mobilization.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is observing a military exercise on the 2nd. Photo by TASS

The Sunday Times, the Sunday edition of British daily The Times, reported on October 3 (local time) that such regulations have been implemented for men aged 18 to 30 in Russia. According to a leaked document obtained by the newspaper, recently strengthened Russian laws now require potential conscripts to submit military-related documents before applying for a mortgage, buying or selling real estate, or registering as a business owner.

The document in question is a letter dated September 15, sent from the Federal Notary Chamber to local notary associations. It was signed by Konstantin Korsik, Vice President of the Federal Notary Chamber. The letter stated, “Temporary measures may be applied to citizens to ensure they report to the draft office when call-up notices are issued,” adding, “Article 22 of the Military Service Law stipulates that male citizens aged 18 to 30 who are registered for military service, obligated to register but have not yet done so, and are not in the reserves, are considered eligible for conscription.”

The newspaper pointed out that these measures effectively prevent draft dodgers and others from participating in public life or economic activities, highlighting the possibility that the Russian government is laying the groundwork for a large-scale military mobilization.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, President Vladimir Putin has been expanding the scope of conscription. Laws restricting the disposal of assets or leaving the country to avoid military service have also been tightened.

Until now, the Russian government has been reluctant to implement large-scale mobilization out of concern for backlash from urban middle-class citizens. However, the newspaper reported that the ruling United Russia Party’s sweeping victory in last month's elections—securing 349 out of 450 seats in the State Duma (the lower house of the Federal Assembly)—may have emboldened the government, sparking speculation that it could attempt to increase the scale of conscription.

Since the beginning of this year, the Russian military has lost more troops than the number of new recruits. It is estimated that over 46,000 Russian soldiers were killed or seriously wounded last month alone, pushing the total number of Russian casualties since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 to over 1.5 million. Russia has conducted conscription twice a year, with the usual draft size around 100,000. This fall’s conscription is reportedly about 120,000.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.