Russia Implements Tough New Military Draft Rules to Increase Conscription

Russia's new law cracks down on draft dodging, making it difficult for Russians to avoid being drafted or conscripted. The law bans draftees from leaving the country and imposes restrictions related to banking, selling property, and gaining access to a driver's license. The law is seen as a response to problems carrying out Putin's "partial mobilization" decree last fall to call up 300,000 troops to fight in Ukraine. The military has focused on recruiting volunteers, offering contract soldiers far higher pay to fight in Ukraine.