The Russian State Duma approved the involvement of reservists to protect critical facilities from attacks by Ukrainian drones
On Tuesday, October 28, the Russian State Duma adopted in three readings a bill that provides for the involvement of reservists in the protection of “critically important facilities” on the territory of the country. This was reported by the press service of the lower house of the Russian parliament.
The adopted amendments change the federal laws of the Russian Federation on defense and military duty. From now on, reservists of the Russian armed forces can be called to special meetings to protect such facilities by decree of Vladimir Putin, and the procedure for holding the meetings will be determined by the Russian government.
Before the document was considered by the parliament, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated that they did not plan to involve reservists in combat operations or perform tasks outside the country. The need to adopt the changes was explained there by the “increasing number of attacks by Ukrainian long-range drones” across the territory of Russia.
“In order to increase the level of security of life support facilities and other facilities important for the well-being of citizens, a decision was made to involve the most prepared and patriotic citizens in implementing measures to protect civilian facilities deep in the territory of Russia,” the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.
Reservists are Russian citizens who previously served in the armed forces or other law enforcement agencies and voluntarily signed a contract to be enrolled in the military reserve. Deputy Chief of the Main Organizational and Mobilization Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Tsimlyansky, stated that “there is no question of any mobilization.”
In addition, the State Duma deputies adopted another bill — on conscription into the army throughout the year, from January 1 to December 31. Starting in 2026, conscription commissions in Russia will operate on a permanent basis.
