A Call to Arms: 160,000 Young Men Targeted

Starting April 1, Russia initiated its largest conscription effort since 2011, aiming to enlist a staggering 160,000 military-age men, ages 18 to 30. This massive call-up is part of a campaign to bolster military ranks to 2.5 million personnel, a directive issued by presidential decree last year.

The Anxiety of Young Conscripts

For many, like 21-year-old Bogdan from the outskirts of Moscow, the announcement has triggered severe anxiety. With the ongoing war in Ukraine reaching a critical point, pressure mounts on young men to respond to summonses, which many fear could lead them to the front lines.

Desperate Measures: Hiding from Recruitment

Having received a draft notice for spring 2024 despite medical issues, Bogdan is now evading authorities. "I'm afraid to step outside. They want to send me straight to service despite my hypertension," he shared, emphasizing the desperation felt among his peers.

Tightening Reins: Escaping Military Service Becomes Harder

Rights advocates warn that loopholes allowing some to escape conscription are tightening. Ivan Chuviliaev from the organization Go By The Forest highlights critical changes, such as an extended draft validity period and a review of the health conditions qualifying for exemptions, creating an atmosphere of chaos that pressures doctors to stamp conscription fitness indiscriminately.

The Fear of Combat: Are Young Men Safe?

While formal conscription rules prohibit sending new recruits to the front lines, many fear deployment to regions bordering Ukraine, where they could unintentionally be thrust into combat. Oleg Ignatov from Crisis Group notes that Ukrainian attacks on conscripts in border areas add a layer of terror to this new draft.

Unlawful Recruitment Practices Emerge

Instances of illegally signed contracts are surfacing, where conscripts find themselves thrust into military roles against their will. Reports from Chelyabinsk revealed that commanders have ignored court orders to discharge improperly enlisted soldiers, raising serious ethical concerns about how conscripts are treated.

Daring to Defy: Options for Evasion

Despite the increasing pressure, alternatives exist for evading recruitment. Options like health exemptions, educational deferments, or leaving the country are available, although they require effort and often face bureaucratic hurdles. Many simply choose to go underground, although the tight surveillance in cities like Moscow complicates these efforts.

The Grim Reality: Signing a Contract Under Duress

With rates of avoidance increasing, some men are coerced into signing contracts, facing serious consequences if they fail to comply. Mikhail Liberov of the Conscientious Objector's Movement warns that even those with supportive legal frameworks encounter harassment, making them vulnerable to forced enlistment.

A Disturbing Trend: Excessive Surveillance and Control

For those considering hiding to evade service, the situation in Moscow reveals a chilling reality: the level of surveillance and tracking largely nullifies the effectiveness of such attempts. The digital landscape makes it nearly impossible to escape notice.

As the war rages on, young men like Bogdan remain caught in a web of fear and uncertainty, hoping against hope that they can fight their way out of an increasingly restrictive military system.