Russia announced that it is training more than 140,000 reservists
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that, since the beginning of 2026, more than 140,000 military personnel have completed training in reserve regiments. The ministry also reported an expansion of training programs, an increase in the number of military specialties, and the involvement of commanders with combat experience in the training.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that since the beginning of 2026, more than 140,000 military personnel have already completed training in reserve regiments. Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov made this announcement during a meeting of the Russian Ministry of Defense’s collegium.
According to him, training took place not only in reserve regiments but also at military training grounds and specially equipped training areas, where various combat scenarios are practiced. “Working groups and instructors from combat training units and reserve regiments have trained more than 140,000 military personnel in reserve regiments, as well as at training grounds and in areas designated for troop formations,” Yevkurov said.
Commanders with combat experience were involved in the training
The Russian Ministry of Defense notes that over 40 practical exercises aimed at improving combat training were conducted during the first half of the year. According to Yevkurov, this year, for the first time, 107 commanders of assault units were involved in the training process on a rotational basis. They have direct combat experience and participated in refining the training programs for small tactical groups.
The Russian military explains that this is necessary to quickly incorporate the experience of modern combat operations into the training system for new service members.
Russia has expanded the list of military specialties
Another area of change has been the increase in the number of military specialties for which Russia’s DOSAAF provides training. While there were previously 20 such specialties, there are now 30. According to representatives of the Russian Ministry of Defense, special attention is being paid to training operators who will work with modern robotic systems.
“Special attention has been paid to organizing training for operators to control land- and sea-based robotic systems,” said Yunus-Bek Yevkurov. This involves training specialists who will be able to work with unmanned systems and other modern military technologies.
Law Allows Use of Reservists Outside Russia
Late last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law allowing the Ministry of Defense to utilize a mobilization reserve of up to two million people.
Officially, Russian authorities stated that reservists are planned to be deployed primarily to guard strategic and critical infrastructure. At the same time, the law itself provides for the possibility of deploying reservists outside Russian territory. It is this provision that has drawn the attention of experts, as it significantly expands the scope for utilizing the mobilization reserve.
Businesses began to be involved in forming the reserve
In 2026, Russian authorities began more actively requiring companies to meet their quotas for staffing the mobilization reserve. According to Russian media reports, some companies have already been fined for failing to meet the established quotas. Among those named were the company “LEPSE,” as well as the “Selmash” and “Mayak” plants.
At the same time, company executives stated that it is not easy to find people willing to join the mobilization reserve. According to them, many employees do not want to sign the relevant contracts and also point to provisions of the Russian Constitution.
Large companies are being enlisted to form military units
At the same time, Russia continues to involve large state-owned and private companies in the implementation of defense programs. In particular, it was reported in July that “Gazprom” had signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense to create mobile fire teams to protect its own facilities. Earlier, authorities in the Leningrad Region also reported on the recruitment of volunteers for similar units.
Thus, the Russian authorities continue to expand the military reserve system by increasing the scale of personnel training, broadening the range of military specialties, and involving both government agencies and large enterprises in this process. At the same time, it is currently impossible to independently verify the Russian Ministry of Defense’s official statements regarding the number of trained reservists. This is reported by Russian media.
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