Putin closes loophole in military drafts with electronic conscription notices.

Russian President Putin has signed a bill allowing electronic notices to be sent to draftees and reservists, closing a loophole that allowed many Russians to avoid the draft by staying away from their address of record. Recipients who fail to show up for service would be prohibited from leaving Russia, would have their drivers’ licenses suspended and would be barred from selling their apartments and other assets. The new law has sparked fears of a new wave of mobilization amid the fighting in Ukraine, but Russian authorities deny that another mobilization is being planned.