Russian women on the military register are receiving summonses to enlistment offices, with some incorrectly called to reserve training despite legal prohibitions.

Russian women on the military register have been summoned to enlistment offices in large numbers since the start of summer. While some have received summonses for reserve training—which is explicitly prohibited by federal law—others are being called to update their records. Experts suggest these summonses are often the result of technical errors in the military's electronic registry, though they may also be used to encourage women to sign military contracts.

Recruitment and technical errors

In some instances, women have been told that summonses were issued by an AI that failed to account for gender. Mediazona reported cases where women were summoned for reserve training, only for the summons to later disappear from the electronic registry. Experts note that the military registry remains prone to glitches, similar to issues previously reported with male conscripts and reservists.

Contract recruitment and mobilization

Since 2026, there has been an increased effort to recruit women as contract soldiers, with campaigns appearing in regions including Krasnoyarsk, Tomsk, and Perm. While the Defense Ministry stated in 2022 that there were no plans to draft women, those with specific military-registration specialties—such as meteorology, cartography, or geodesy—remain subject to registration and potential mobilization.

Guidance for those summoned

Legal experts advise women who receive summonses to remain calm and consult with a lawyer before visiting an enlistment office. Failing to report to a summons can result in administrative fines between 10,000 and 30,000 rubles and potential travel restrictions. Experts warn that even if a summons for reserve training is voided, the enlistment office may issue a new one to update records or pressure individuals to sign military contracts.