Russia Mandates Military Documents for Men 18-30 to Curb Draft Evasion

Russia has introduced new regulations requiring men aged 18 to 30 to submit military service documents before completing property transactions, registering businesses, or obtaining mortgages, according to reports. The measures are designed to curb conscription evasion and tighten oversight over the draft-eligible population as the government seeks to sustain its military operations.

Military Documents Required for Real Estate and Business Registration

The regulatory changes stem from a September 15 letter sent by the Russian Federal Notary Chamber to regional notary associations. Signed by Konstantin Korsik, the chamber’s vice president, the document instructs notaries to apply temporary measures forcing citizens who have received draft notices to report to military commissariats.

Under the updated procedures, draft-age men must provide proof of military registration when handling housing loans, property sales, or business registrations. Local reporting indicates the restrictions are already taking effect in practice, with notaries refusing to authenticate powers of attorney for young men unless they prove they have not received a draft notice.

Economic Restrictions Target Overseas Capital Flight

The Sunday Times reported that blocking powers of attorney effectively cuts off a key avenue for draft evaders who attempt to manage their domestic assets after leaving the country. By choking off economic and social activity for non-compliant citizens, Russian authorities are laying the groundwork for a broader troop mobilization.

Military law in Russia requires men between 18 and 30 to register with draft offices and face potential deployment. President Vladimir Putin has steadily widened the scope of the draft and tightened rules against asset disposal and foreign travel since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Russia Seeks More Conscripts as Casualties Rise

Sergei Gulyaev, a retired lieutenant colonel living abroad as an opposition figure, stated that the notary letter proves the Russian military urgently needs fresh personnel to offset mounting losses. Casualties in September alone reached an estimated 46,000 dead or severely wounded, pushing cumulative casualties past 1.5 million since the war began.

Russia traditionally conducts two conscription cycles each year, typically pulling in around 100,000 recruits. Authorities have set this autumn’s target at approximately 120,000 conscripts.

Expansion Beyond Working-Class Conscripts

Expanding the draft into wealthy urban populations would signal preparations for a final offensive, according to Ibrahim.

President Putin previously avoided mass mobilization due to potential backlash from urban middle classes. However, following the ruling United Russia party’s victory in the State Duma elections—securing 349 of 450 seats—observers expect the Kremlin to pursue a larger-scale draft.