Russian Defense Ministry Proposes Ending Mandatory Medical Exams for Contract Soldiers
New draft law aims to cancel compulsory health assessments for conscripts except in cases of serious injury or illness.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has put forward legislative amendments that would eliminate the requirement for mandatory medical examinations for conscripts and contract soldiers, except when there are serious injuries or severe health conditions to assess.
The proposed draft law, published for public consultation and undergoing independent anti-corruption review as of July 3, seeks to limit medical evaluations during mobilization, martial law, or wartime strictly to cases where physical impairments or illnesses might affect a soldier’s fitness for duty. The Ministry of Defense would set the specific procedures for such medical assessments under the new rules.
Implications for Military Recruitment and Readiness
This move reflects significant challenges within Russia’s military recruitment and contract service system amid the ongoing full-scale conflict with Ukraine. According to human rights project "Idite Lesom," which assists individuals in avoiding conscription, the draft law signals severe difficulties in attracting contract servicemen. Grigory Sverdlin, head of the project, noted that the absence of mandatory medical exams by default indicates a critical shortage of contract recruits.
“It appears the situation with contract recruitment is so dire that they want to remove compulsory medical examinations. If adopted, medical checks will only occur under exceptional circumstances,” Sverdlin said.
In recent months, the Russian government has implemented various measures to bolster contract enlistment. For instance, in late May, President Vladimir Putin signed a law forgiving debts for long-term contract soldiers. Recruitment efforts have extended beyond Russia’s borders, including job offers in rear areas of the special military operation in Belarus and China. Moreover, reports have surfaced about raids in the Penza region where men were coerced into signing contracts with the Ministry of Defense. Media speculation also points to a possible new wave of mobilization.
Such developments underscore the pressure on Russia’s military personnel system amid prolonged hostilities and highlight the financial and operational complexities faced by the defense sector in maintaining troop levels.
