Draft: not yet checked by a lawyerThe guides below are drafts: a lawyer has not reviewed them yet. This is not legal advice.
Draft What human rights defenders advise
Pressured or forced to sign a military contract
Don't sign a contract because you are being talked into it: refusing carries no penalty. In practice the contract is open-ended (until mobilisation ends), and the posting is decided by the Defence Ministry, not the recruiter.
Signed but not yet in service: immediately file a withdrawal statement at the enlistment office in two copies with a receipt stamp. A representative with power of attorney can do it.
A conscript being pushed or forced: submit a withdrawal report to the commander before the contract order is signed; parents can write to the unit commander and the ministry. Collect evidence of pressure.
If the contract is already in force: complain to the military prosecutor and sue in the garrison military court within three months of signing, asking for interim protection.
If there is violence a conscript may leave the unit, but this is a last resort. If there is any way to get in touch, first ask Call to Conscience for advice, and keep evidence of the violence. After leaving, you must report to military investigators within 48 hours, or risk a case under art. 337 CC. Where to turn: Call to Conscience, Soldiers' Mothers, the Conscientious Objectors Movement (foreign agent).
Helps people refuse military service: advice for conscripts, mobilised soldiers, contract soldiers and their families, court defence, conscientious objection.
The only official bot is @agsnowarbot. It never asks for money or SMS codes.
How to avoid conscription and mobilisation; helps servicemen leave the country and find asylum.
The only official bot is @iditelesom_info_bot, 10:00–22:00 Moscow time. The project never writes first and never takes money. On 25 September 2026 it warned about fake bots, including @iditelesom1_info_bot, @iditelesom_official_bot, @iditelesom_helping_bot, @iditelesom_bot; one offered 'evacuation via Kursk', another extorted money.
The only official bot is @iditelesom_info_bot. It never asks for money or SMS codes.