Russia Launches Largest Draft Campaign, Detains Young Men in Moscow

Russian authorities have started detaining young men in Moscow as part of the country’s largest military draft in recent years, according to local media Ostorozhno, Novosti.

At least five men were reportedly stopped by police in the capital and taken to local stations after officers presented wanted notices issued by military recruitment offices.

In some cases, the individuals were transferred directly to assembly points.

Others have not been in contact since their detention, the media reported.

The report also notes that individuals previously deemed unfit for service—due to chronic illnesses or official exemptions—have also been sent to enlistment offices.

In March 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree initiating the spring draft, which aims to conscript 160,000 individuals.

This marks an increase from previous years: 150,000 in 2024, 147,000 in 2023, and 135,500 in 2022.

Russia is also facing growing difficulties in recruiting contract soldiers. According to local media, daily recruitment costs now exceed ₽2 billion (approximately $23.7 million).

According to The Moscow Times, current recruitment drives are bringing in between 1,000 and 1,500 new contract soldiers daily, with the majority reportedly coming from economically disadvantaged regions.

Miltarnyi reported that, separately, in the Ivanovo region, men were being abducted and coerced into signing military contracts.

Since the fall of 2024, six individuals have been reported missing. All were described as living in poverty, facing health challenges, and working informal jobs.