Russia Shifts to Year-Round Military Conscription as Draft Enforcement Tightens

Meduza reported that Russia's military conscription became a year-round process as of January 1, 2026, eliminating the traditional spring/fall draft cycles. Travel bans are now triggered immediately when a draft notice appears in the electronic registry, which can happen at any time. Enforcement has tightened with expanded restrictions on draft-eligible men, and the risk of conscripts ending up in combat zones remains high. Separately, Ukrainian drone strikes halted Russia's NORSI oil refinery in Kstovo and killed a family of three in Vladimir region.