On 7/7/2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved amendments to the federal law on military service. These changes allow individuals without Russian citizenship to sign contracts to serve in the military. These contracts will last until the end of the general mobilization, martial law, or the cessation of hostilities.

The new law also streamlines the process for obtaining Russian citizenship. Non-Russian citizens, as well as foreign nationals who have signed contracts to serve in the Russian armed forces for at least one year, can now apply for citizenship without meeting the typical five-year residency requirement.

Several important laws have also been amended, including those concerning military service, military duty, national defense, and the status of military personnel. The Federation Council stated that the new law will "improve the mechanism for replenishing the ranks of the Russian armed forces".

Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 7/7/2025. Photo: AFP

Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 7/7/2025. Photo: AFP

In addition to conscripted soldiers, Russia maintains a professional military force serving under long-term contracts. These professional soldiers primarily serve in special forces units, operate high-tech weaponry, and participate in the conflict in Ukraine.

In March 2025, President Putin signed a decree calling up 160,000 citizens aged 18-30 for military service, the largest number in 14 years. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that this recruitment drive was unrelated to the military operation in Ukraine.

Russian law prohibits the deployment of conscripts for combat missions outside of Russian territory.

In 1/2024, President Putin also signed a decree simplifying the citizenship process for foreign nationals fighting for the Russian military and their relatives. This move appears to target citizens of former Soviet republics living and working in Russia.

Huyen Le (TASS, Ria Novosti)