Russian Regions Begin Reservist Recruitment for Infrastructure Protection
Moscow, Russia – Several russian regions have initiated a recruitment drive to enlist reservists for training focused on defending critical infrastructure, a move signaling heightened security concerns amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. A draft government decree published last Friday permits the call-up of reservists for training sessions lasting up to six months annually,according to reports.
This marks the first large-scale peacetime mobilization of reservists in Russia since the launch of its “special military operation” in Ukraine in 2022. During their service, reservists will be granted full military status, including pay and benefits equivalent to those of active-duty personnel.
The initiative comes as Russian authorities express increasing anxieties over potential sabotage and attacks targeting essential facilities. While specific regions involved and the exact number of reservists sought haven’t been officially disclosed, the move suggests a broadening effort to bolster internal security measures. The recruitment drive underscores a shift towards preparing for potential domestic threats alongside ongoing military operations in Ukraine.