Russia authorizes deployment of reservists abroad without formal troop call-up

Russia has approved legislation that allows the deployment of military reservists for combat operations outside the country, removing a key legislative obstacle that restricted their use in foreign conflicts. 

The measure, drafted by the Defense Ministry, was cleared by the government’s legislative commission, state-linked outlet RBC reported on Oct. 13.

The bill amends the law “On Military Service and Military Duty,” effectively creating a new category of “special deployments” for reservists.

Under the law, reservists can be called up by presidential order for participation in armed conflicts, counterterrorism operations, or combat missions abroad.

According to lawyer Sergey Zhorin, speaking to Novaya Gazeta and cited by NV.ua, the legislation establishes a legal framework for sending reservists to fight outside Russia without a formal mobilization.

“Previously, deploying reservists required a special legal regime — now that barrier is removed. This means the state can quickly reinforce its forces abroad without triggering mobilization procedures and their associated social consequences,” Zhorin said.

Meanwhile, the Institute for the Study of War said that Russia is laying the groundwork to mobilize reservists to replace losses and maintain the pace of operations in Ukraine.

The Kremlin intends to use the existing reserve to sustain troop numbers on the front lines but is unlikely to pursue a large-scale forced mobilization. Instead, Moscow appears to favor a gradual, continuous deployment of reservists rather than a mass call-up.