Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on July 7, 2024, allowing foreigners to serve in the Russian army during periods of mobilization, marking a significant expansion of military recruitment efforts. The decree, which came into effect on June 7, permits qualified specialists who have reached the age limit of mandatory military service to sign contracts with Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), Federal Security Service (FSB), and other state security agencies. This move is intended to bolster troop numbers without resorting to widespread conscription, a measure that has been increasingly unpopular among the Russian population. The Kremlin has relied heavily on financial incentives and aggressive recruitment campaigns to attract new volunteers, with Moscow currently recruiting between 30,000 and 40,000 individuals each month, according to sources familiar with U.S. and EU intelligence.
The partial mobilization decree from September 21, 2022, remains in force and has never been formally rescinded, though ending it would require a separate presidential decree. Previously, foreigners were only permitted to serve under states of emergency or martial law, but Russia has avoided formally declaring martial law despite its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The changes expand the scope of military recruitment, allowing for greater flexibility in meeting troop replenishment needs. In addition to the decree, Putin authorized the spring conscription of 160,000 men on March 31, marking the country’s largest call-up in 14 years. While Russian officials claim that conscripts are not sent to the front, reports indicate that many are pressured into signing contracts, with some facing coercive tactics in the process.
The decree also reflects broader efforts to manage the human and logistical challenges of sustained military operations. In May, Alexander Bastrykin, head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, reported that 20,000 naturalized migrants were sent to fight in Ukraine after failing to register for military service. This has led to the passage of a law in the summer of 2024 allowing the revocation of citizenship for naturalized individuals who do not comply with military registration requirements. These measures underscore the Kremlin’s increasing reliance on foreign recruits and the potential risks associated with their integration and compliance with military obligations. As Russia continues its military campaign in Ukraine, the expansion of recruitment policies highlights the complex interplay between national security, demographic pressures, and the evolving nature of modern warfare.