Vladimir Putin has approved an updated version of Russia's nuclear doctrine, which now permits nuclear strikes in the event of “aggression by any non-nuclear state supported by a nuclear-armed state,” as well as in response to massive aerial attacks using non-nuclear weapons, including drones. Additionally, Russia reserves the right to respond similarly if Belarus faces a threat. Meduza [international Russian-language online media outlet] reviewed both the updated doctrine alongside the previous version adopted in June 2020, compiling both into a comparative table for clarity.
In the Pskov region, military commissar Fyodor Zakirov is urging conscripts to immediately sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense rather than perform their statutory military service. The Soldiers' Mothers Movement contends that this persuasion is entirely legal. Recent amendments to the Military Conscription and Military Service Act allow conscripts to sign contracts upon reaching the age of 18, eliminating the previous requirement to wait three months after beginning their service.
Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs has proposed limiting the duration of Ukrainian citizens' stay in the country and restricting their ability to work without specific documentation. Officials argue that most Ukrainians show a "lack of interest in obtaining legal residency," creating conditions that "pose a threat to national and public security." The ministry suggests requiring Ukrainians residing in Russia to obtain temporary residence permits and secure work authorization through regional offices. If adopted, the proposal would require Ukrainian citizens to obtain these documents by March 31, 2025.
Lawmakers in the State Duma [lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia] have introduced a bill to lower the minimum age for taking the oath of allegiance when obtaining Russian citizenship from 18 to 14 years. The proposed legislation stipulates that authorities will nullify the decision to grant citizenship if applicants fail to take the oath or do not appear for the ceremony within one year. The bill's authors argue that taking the oath will "enhance the patriotic spirit."
The Russian government has amended the compensation scheme for military personnel wounded in combat, introducing a differentiated scale based on injury severity. Under the updated policy, soldiers with severe injuries will receive 3 million rubles [$30,500], while those with minor injuries will get 1 million rubles [$10,200]. The latter category includes injuries such as closed skull trauma with brain concussion, ligament ruptures, gunshot wounds, soft tissue injuries and hearing organ damage. Other injuries will be compensated at a lower rate of 100,000 rubles [$1,020]. Previously, all wounded personnel received the same payment regardless of the injury's severity. The Voyennye Advokaty [Military Lawyers] Telegram channel notes that...
Moscow's draft offices are beginning to send notifications to potential conscripts that restrictions have been imposed on them for ignoring a draft notice. Lawyer Artyom Klyga, head of the legal department of the human rights organization Movement of Conscientious Objectors, confirmed several such cases to Vazhnyye Istorii [IStories, independent Russian investigative media outlet]. The notifications inform the recipients that they are barred from leaving the country and face other restrictions, such as managing property, registering as self-employed, obtaining foreign passports, taking out loans or registering vehicles. Authorities enjoin to immediately report to the military collection point on Ugreshskaya Street, threatening to press...
Starting July 1, 2025, the Russian government plans to reduce the number of public sector employees by 10% and redirect their salaries to the remaining staff. The corresponding decree was signed by Putin on Oct. 29. The reform is expected to affect approximately 400,000 civil servants. The reform's initiators justify the cuts by citing extensive digitalization.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has mandated that individuals who obtained Russian citizenship after Sept. 1, 2017, must take an oath of allegiance to the Russian Federation by Nov. 22, 2024, or face revocation of their citizenship. This requirement does not affect those who acquired citizenship before the regulation took effect or those exempt from taking the oath.
In the Voronezh region, authorities have increased the reward for referring recruits willing to fight in the war to 75,000 rubles [$770], up from the previous amount of 50,000 rubles [$510].
The Krasnoyarsk city administration has introduced an additional sign-up bonus of 200,000 rubles [$2,050] for signing a contract with the Ministry of Defense, effective from Nov. 1 until the end of 2024. Combined with the current regional bonus of 400,000 rubles [$4,090] and the same amount provided by the national government, contract soldiers will receive a total of 1 million rubles [$10,200].