Russia: Bill to allow electronic conscription notices passes

The upper house of Russia’s parliament has approved a bill that would allow authorities to issue electronic summons to draftees and reservists amid the fighting in Ukraine.

The Federation Council’s vote was the last step needed before the bill goes to President Vladimir Putin, who is now expected to sign it into law.

Lawmakers in Russia’s lower house, the State Duma, passed the measure on Tuesday.

The legislation was put on fast track as the Russian military is preparing for an expected Ukrainian counteroffensive, which Ukraine and its Western allies say could start within weeks. Russia’s current military service rules require the in-person delivery of notices to conscripts and reservists who are called up for duty.