Putin Authorizes 2026 Reservist Call-Up for Critical Infrastructure Protection in Russia

Presidential Decree Issued

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed an executive order authorizing the call-up of military reservists for 'special assemblies' in 2026. The primary objective of these assemblies is to enhance the protection of critical infrastructure across the Russian Federation. The decree, which came into effect on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, mandates the government to compile a list of facilities requiring protection, while the Defense Ministry is tasked with identifying the military units responsible for conducting these exercises.

Context of Increased Threats

This directive comes amidst a backdrop of escalating challenges to Russia's security, particularly from Ukrainian drone attacks. These attacks have increasingly targeted military sites and vital infrastructure, including oil and gas installations, which are crucial to the country's energy sector. The deployment of reservists is seen as a proactive measure to bolster defenses against such threats.

Expanded Role for Reservists

The call-up involves members of Russia's mobilization reserve, who are volunteers that have signed contracts committing them to periodic service. Historically, these reservists were typically called up for training no more than once a year and could only be assigned combat duties during mobilization or wartime. However, in November 2025, President Putin signed new legislation that broadened the circumstances under which reservists can be deployed, allowing them to be summoned in peacetime for these 'special' assemblies to safeguard essential sites.

• Purpose: Protection of critical facilities, including energy and transport infrastructure, and countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
• Status: Reservists will receive the status of service personnel with associated benefits during their deployment.
• Deployment: They are expected to serve in their home regions and will retain their civilian jobs.
• Duration: Training periods for these assemblies cannot exceed two months.

Recruitment campaigns for these units have reportedly already commenced in various Russian regions, including Leningrad Oblast, Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, and Nizhny Novgorod Oblast. Officials from the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces have clarified that this initiative 'does not involve any new mobilization.'