Russia Moves to Allow Stateless Persons to Join Armed Forces Under Contract

The Russian government submitted a draft law to the State Duma  that would allow stateless individuals to enlist in the armed forces under contract, according to Interfax on April 18.

The explanatory note accompanying the draft bill (No. 897317-8) states:

“The draft law introduces amendments to the Federal Law ‘On Military Duty and Military Service’, under which stateless persons are granted the right to sign a contract for military service in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and other military formations.”

The proposal is intended to expand the pool of individuals eligible for contractual military service.

Currently, foreign nationals are allowed to serve in the Russian military, though only in positions such as soldiers and sergeants. The new legislation would give stateless individuals the same legal standing as foreign citizens in this regard.

Earlier in April, Russian media reported on the government’s plans, noting that the change would likely affect only a few dozen people due to the small number of stateless persons residing in Russia.

In light of ongoing full-scale invasion if Ukraine, Russian authorities have increasingly sought new avenues to attract voluntary service members. Enlistees who sign contracts are eligible for bonuses ranging from 600,000 to several million rubles (approximately $7,420 USD), depending on the region.

Previously, it was reported that Russia has significantly scaled up production of its Shahed-type loitering munitions, introducing a new manufacturing site in the city of Izhevsk.