Putin has expanded military registration offices' access to data on Russian citizens amid rumors of mobilization
On July 26, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin signed a law granting the Russian Ministry of Defense and military unit commanders access to the Unified State Register of Civil Status Acts (RACS). Officially, the measure is justified by the need to improve military record-keeping and provide social support to service members.
Under the law, the Russian Ministry of Defense will be able to obtain information about service members, civilian personnel of the Armed Forces who have been discharged from service, and their family members. The Russian National Guard has also been granted similar access to the registry.
The explanatory note to the document states that the changes are intended to “optimize the maintenance of military records for citizens” and ensure the prompt provision of social benefits and privileges.
At the same time, the law’s adoption comes amid reports that Russia may be preparing for a new wave of mobilization. As Russian human rights activists note, citizens have recently been increasingly issued mobilization orders when visiting military registration and enlistment offices, ostensibly to update their registration data.
In addition, according to the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian authorities are gradually establishing a legislative framework for a potential expansion of the army. Among these steps, experts cite the expansion of the list of individuals with criminal records who are eligible to sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense, as well as the Rosgvardia’s update of civil defense regulations to account for mobilization and martial law.
Earlier, a number of European officials speculated that the Kremlin might announce a new mobilization following the State Duma elections. According to Western analysts, the rate of recruitment of contract soldiers no longer compensates for the Russian army’s losses in the war against Ukraine. At the same time, Russian authorities have not officially confirmed any plans for a new mobilization.
Source: The Moscow Times.
As a reminder, Putin has called for increased support for the war among Russians.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin instructed the command of the Russian Navy to respond “resolutely” to attempts by Western countries to detain Russian tankers. He made this statement during a meeting with the commanders of the Russian Navy’s fleets.
