Putin signed a decree on conscription for 2026: 261 thousand people aged 18-30

Conscription of Russian citizens for military service in 2026

According to Главком: Vladimir Putin signed a decree for the conscription of citizens of the Russian Federation for military service in 2026, aiming to recruit 261,000 people aged 18 to 30. The conscription will last from January 1 to December 31, 2026.

The dispatch of conscripts to the army will take place twice a year:

• the first stage - from April 1 to July 15,
• the second - from October 1 to December 31.

This decree is part of Russia's military policy aimed at replenishing the ranks of the army. It is noted that the autumn conscription in 2023 was the largest since 2016, when 135 thousand people were drafted into the army.

Legislative changes and international policy

In addition, Vladimir Putin signed a law that invalidates foreign court rulings in criminal cases without Russia's participation. According to the new law, decisions of international courts will not be executed if their jurisdiction is not based on international treaties or UN Security Council resolutions.

As expert Vladimir Grudyev noted, this law will be applied, for example, to sentences from the International Criminal Court.

Thus, the conscription for military service in 2026 and related legal changes indicate the continuation of Russia's course to strengthen its armed forces and independence in the legal sphere.

These decisions, particularly the conscription for military service, may indicate Russia's strategic plans in the military field, especially amid growing international tensions. Changes in legislation also point to Russia's intention to disregard international court rulings, which could complicate diplomatic relations with other countries and international organizations.