Russia: Bill to allow electronic conscription notices passes
The upper house of the Russian parliament has swiftly approved a bill that would allow authorities to issue electronic summonses to draftees and reservists amid the fighting in Ukraine
MOSCOW (AP) — The upper house of Russia's parliament on Wednesday swiftly approved a bill that would allow authorities to issue electronic summonses to draftees and reservists amid the fighting in Ukraine.
The Federation Council's vote was the last step needed before the bill goes to President Vladimir Putin, who is expected to quickly sign it into law.
Lawmakers in Russia's lower house, the State Duma, passed the measure on Tuesday. The legislation was put on fast track as the Russian military is preparing for an expected Ukrainian counteroffensive, which Ukraine and its Western allies say could start within weeks.
Russia’s current military service rules require the in-person delivery of notices to conscripts and reservists who are called up for duty. In the past, many Russians avoided the draft in the past by staying away from their address of record. The proposed bill would close that loophole.
