Russia Initiates First 'Year-Round Draft' in Occupied Ukrainian Territories

The Russian Federation has initiated its first year-round military draft in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, as reported by the resistance movement 'Yellow Ribbon' in a message published on Telegram, according to Ukrinform.

Under the new regulations, the service term for draftees will be set at 12 months. It is crucial to note that if a military contract is not signed within this period, draftees are obligated to serve in the army. This new measure has sparked anxiety among the local population, who already have experience with forced mobilization.

The occupying administration controlling these territories has already formed so-called 'draft commissions.' Additionally, police are actively involved in searching for draft evaders, conducting raids at the residences of draftees, checking documents, and forcibly delivering individuals to military enlistment offices.

Despite assurances from the occupiers that conscripts will not be sent to combat zones, evidence suggests otherwise. Previous draft campaigns have shown that residents of temporarily occupied territories have repeatedly been dispatched to combat military units, causing outrage and fear among the local populace.

Representatives of the 'Yellow Ribbon' resistance movement emphasize that this draft represents another stage of forced militarization of the population in occupied territories. People are being compelled to serve in the army of the occupying state, which constitutes a gross violation of human rights and international humanitarian law.

It is worth recalling that in November 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law introducing year-round military conscription instead of traditional seasonal campaigns. This decision has sparked widespread resonance in society and among experts, who believe it could lead to even greater militarization of the population.

The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine remains tense, and the new draft measures only exacerbate the plight of local residents. Many are attempting to evade conscription, which could lead to serious consequences, including arrests and repression by the occupying authorities.

In light of this, the resistance movement is urging the international community to pay attention to human rights violations in Ukraine and take measures to protect the population from forced mobilization. They also call on Ukrainians to remain united and support one another during these challenging times.

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