Russian youth increasingly oppose military conscription

Anti-draft sentiment is rising among young people in Russia, reported URA.ru citing a poll by Novaya Gazeta Europe. According to the survey, 47% of Russians aged 18 to 29 say they do not want to serve in the military.

Respondents cited the danger of military service, especially amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as well as a conflict with their personal life plans, as the main reasons.

The data also show a growing number of young Russians are seeking ways to avoid conscription — from leaving the country to using legal or social means to avoid mobilization.

Experts attribute this trend to the psychological effects of the war, media influence, and a growing distrust in the safety of serving in the armed forces.