Putin Signs Decree for Continuous Conscription in 2026, Draft Target Set at 261,000

Russian leader Vladimir Putin signed a decree ordering year-round conscription in 2026, with a target of 261,000 men aged 18 to 30, according to Meduza on December 29. 

The decree, dated December 29, orders conscription from January 1 through December 31, 2026, and calls for the discharge of soldiers, sailors, sergeants, and petty officers whose compulsory service terms have ended. 

Russian media described it as the first time the annual draft target has been set in a single document covering the full calendar year. 

Legislation adopted in 2025 and signed by Putin in early November allows draft offices to issue summonses, conduct medical exams, and convene draft commissions throughout the year, according to Russian officials.

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Russia has been moving away from its long-standing seasonal model of spring and autumn conscription, while keeping the two main intake and dispatch windows. The upper age limit for conscription was raised to 30 in 2024, the outlet noted. 

In its latest completed campaign, Russia drafted 135,000 men during the autumn 2025 call-up, the Russian Defense Ministry stated.

Earlier, it was reported that Russia’s parliament approved changes to make conscription-related procedures run continuously throughout the year starting in 2026, while keeping dispatch to units in two set windows.

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