Russia Approves Electronic Call-Up to Prevent Draft Dodging

The Russian parliament has approved legislation to serve call-up papers online, which will be deemed to be served as soon as they appear on a special government portal. Critics say the law is further evidence of authorities creating an "electronic Gulag", referring to the Soviet-era network of prison camps. Thousands of Russians have avoided the draft to escape the war in Ukraine. Citizens who fail to show up will be banned from travelling abroad and could face other restrictions. The Kremlin has denied the move is aimed at speeding up further mobilisation of Russian men or putting a stop to widespread draft-dodging.