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The decision marks another step in the Kremlin’s long-term expansion of its mobilization system as the war in Ukraine continues.
A decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Dec. 8 sets out plans for Russian reservists to undergo training with the Armed Forces, the National Guard and several state security agencies.
According to Meduza, citing Russian state media, the directive compels federal and regional authorities to complete all administrative preparations for the call-up.
Two parts of the decree are classified, labeled for restricted official use, leaving the scope of those provisions unclear.
Public sections specify that reservists — Russians who have voluntarily contracted into the mobilization reserve — may be summoned for training periods of up to two months.
Expanding the reserve
According to Meduza, official data previously placed the size of Russia’s mobilization reserve at roughly 100,000 in 2021.
Under existing government rules, the president determines the number of reservists to be activated each year, based on military recommendations.
According to Kyiv Post, winter call-ups remain uncommon in Russia. Training orders were historically issued between late February and early June.
The latest order comes after a series of related decisions. On Nov. 4, Putin signed another decree allowing reservists to be assigned directly to infrastructure protection duties.
Days later, Kommersant reported that at least 19 regions had already begun forming units to guard key facilities, often focusing on countering drone threats.
ISW warning in October
Oct 13., the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) warned that Russia might begin to mobilize members of Russia’s active reserves to sustain combat operations in Ukraine.
ISW deemed it unlikely, that Putin would conduct a large-scale involuntary mobilization, but noted that the Russian lawmakers approved a draft amendment permitting the Russian military to use reservists outside of Russia without an official Kremlin declaration.
ISW explained in the October-warning, that Russia has two types of reserves: The higher-readiness “human mobilization reserve” and an inactive reserve.
Sources: Meduza, Kommersant, Russian state media, Institute for the Study of War
