The State Duma named the reasons for the increase in the number of conscripts in the autumn draft

During the autumn draft of 2025, an increase in the number of conscripts is expected in Russia, which is due to several factors, including changes in the demographic situation. Viktor Bondarev, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security, told Izvestia on September 30.

"In the spring conscription campaign of this year, in fact, fewer than the planned number of conscripts were drafted. Therefore, the total number of conscripts is conditionally equalized by the current autumn draft," he said.

The deputy also attributed the increase in the number of conscripts to demographic changes. He explained that the increase in the number of recruits compared to 2016 by almost a third is due to the fact that the generation born in the quiet years of 2006-2007 has grown up, when the country saw an increase in prosperity and, consequently, the birth rate.

"At the same time, new tasks have now been set before the state and the Russian Armed Forces, related not only to the emergence of new branches and types of troops, but also to the implementation of long-term strategic programs for the development of the military and the military—industrial complex, which requires an additional number of military personnel," Bondarev said.

Autumn Draft - 2025: deadlines and new rules for future recruits

In 2025, the autumn draft will traditionally begin on October 1 and last until December 31.

In his opinion, current external threats significantly contribute to the increase in the number of conscripts. This is due to the continued escalation of external pressure on Russia from the collective West, the increased deployment of enemy forces near the country's borders, as well as the continued supply of weapons to Ukraine and the growing aggression against the Russian state.

Nevertheless, the deputy assured that the conscripts would not be sent to the special military operation zone to conduct military operations.

"At the same time, conscripts will not be sent to their combat zone — on the contrary, military units of the Armed Forces of the Russian Armed Forces will be replenished from among them for military service in accordance with current legislation. And today, the solution of the tasks set within the framework of the SVR is successfully solved with the help of contractors, including those with combat experience," the expert concluded.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree on the autumn draft - 2025, which starts on October 1. It is expected that it will become the largest recruitment campaign in the last nine years: this year it is planned to send 135 thousand people to serve, before that more were recruited only in 2016 — 152 thousand people.

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