Recent reports suggest a shift in Russia’s military conscription practices, moving from a system historically offering avenues for avoidance to one with increased enforcement. Individuals drafted into the Russian military are now facing pressure to sign contracts committing them to participate in combat operations in Ukraine. This indicates a potential effort to bolster troop numbers engaged in the ongoing conflict. Previously, conscripts were not intended to be deployed to war zones, but this appears to be changing. The reports highlight concerns about the conditions faced by draftees and the methods used to secure their participation in the fighting. This development raises questions about Russia’s manpower needs and its willingness to utilize conscripts in offensive operations. The situation suggests a possible escalation in the Kremlin’s approach to sustaining its military presence in Ukraine.