Russia broadens military exemptions with 35 new medical conditions

Russia has updated its list of medical conditions that prevent individuals from being conscripted into military service. The new regulations, signed into law by President Vladimir Putin, expand the number of exemptions to 35. These changes follow a broader shift allowing year-round conscription from November 2025 onwards.

The previous set of medical restrictions was approved in August 2023. It has now been replaced by a longer list of conditions that disqualify individuals from mandatory service. Among the newly included conditions are diabetes, congenital developmental anomalies, and serious injuries to major blood vessels.

The updated rules also cover blindness, severe eye disorders, and persistent hearing loss. Certain spinal injuries and limb impairments are now grounds for exemption as well. These revisions align with a law Putin signed in late 2025, which removed seasonal limits on conscription.

No official updates have been made to the medical criteria for contract-based military service since the 2023 review. Sources indicate that no additional systematic health restrictions have been introduced for volunteers.

The expanded list of exemptions reflects changes in Russia's conscription policies. With 35 conditions now recognized, more individuals may qualify for deferral or exemption. The adjustments take effect as the country moves toward continuous year-round conscription.