Russia and Belarus expanded conscription policies

In late July 2026, Russia’s legislature approved a law widening the pool of people eligible for military service, including citizens with criminal convictions and granting the internal troops broader powers during mobilisation. The measure signals a Kremlin push for a larger mobilisation after earlier drafts fell short.

Two days later, reports indicated that Russia was already applying the new framework to foreign nationals. Authorities were allegedly embedding army contracts in migration paperwork, compelling Central Asian migrants—many through intimidation at centres like the Sacharovo hub—to register for service or face expulsion. Estimates suggest tens of thousands have been sent to the front.

Simultaneously, Belarus announced a parallel effort to deepen militarisation by mandating multi‑day military‑patriotic camps for high‑school students, modelled on Russia’s youth forces. The program would integrate weapons training, drills, and ideological instruction into the school curriculum, aiming to build a future reserve.

Together, these developments illustrate a coordinated broadening of recruitment mechanisms in both countries, extending conscription beyond traditional citizen rolls to migrants and school‑age youth.