Russia temporarily suspends compulsory military service for IT professionals

In the Ukraine war, Russia is willing to use any means. To stem the additional exodus of specialists, the country has now launched an exemption for the domestic IT industry. The compulsory military service for IT specialists will be lifted, at least temporarily.

Russia: Conscription for IT specialists suspended

In an effort to prevent the exodus of more IT specialists, Russia has temporarily suspended compulsory military service for IT professionals. As reported by MK.ru magazine, citing the Russian military mission’s statement, companies can apply for a suspension of conscription for employed IT workers.

This spring, against the backdrop of the Ukraine war, Russia plans to call up some 134,500 men between the ages of 18 and 27 for military service. A decree to that effect was signed by President Vladimir Putin at the end of March, according to a report by RND/dpa/ag.

On the messenger platform Telegram, the Russian government already announced at the beginning of March that it wanted to provide additional support to the domestic IT industry. For example, by exempting it from income tax for a period of three years and giving it preferential loan terms.

Russia wants to curb withdrawal of IT companies

Since the start of the Ukraine war, more and more IT companies have been withdrawing from Russia or the Russian market. From service providers like SAP to Deutsche Telekom to companies like Jolla, Netflix and TikTok. Domestic companies are finding themselves increasingly isolated, while many Russian IT workers are fleeing the country.

Some 50,000 forces are said to have already since the war began. A brain drain, or flight of talent and skilled workers, is now considered likely. By suspending compulsory military service for IT specialists, the country now hopes to put a stop to the exodus.