More than 3,000 Russians have Succeeded in Being Allowed to Perform Alternative Service So Far This Year Alone, ‘Vyorstka’ Finds

Paul Goble

            Staunton, Sept. 26 – Despite Moscow’s need to fill the rapidly depleting ranks of its invasion force in Ukraine, 3387 men have succeeded in being allowed to perform alternative service so far in 2026, three times more than in pre-war years, according to a study carried out by the Vyorstka portal.

            This increase has taken place, rights activists say, despite intensifying opposition in draft commissions that are usually but not always backed by the courts, because of the even more dramatic increase in the number of men seeking alternative service (verstka.media/komu-otkazyvayut-a-komu-odobryayut-alternativnuyu-grazhdanskuyu-sluzhbu-v-2026-godu).

            In the past, many who were given the right to perform alternative service had religious backgrounds; but that is no longer a guarantee that those making application for such service will be given it because of the pro-war position of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate.

            The Vyorstka report is important because it is yet another indication of growing unhappiness of Russians with the lengthening war in Ukraine and the unwillingness of many young men and their families to send yet more men to the meatgrinder that Putin’s military adventure has become.