As of the end of 2025, 3,212 people were serving in Russia’s alternative civil service, Verstka newspaper wrote with reference to Rostrud’s data. The publication notes that this is the maximum number for at least the past 14 years.
Compared to the end of 2024, the number of people undergoing alternative service in Russia increased by 773 people (32%).
Since the beginning of the great war between Russia and Ukraine, the number of Russians who have achieved alternative service has almost tripled – from 1,140 to 3,212 people.
Alternative Civilian Service (ACS) is work “for the benefit of society and the state” that a person performs in lieu of military conscription. It is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Russian Federation to persons whose beliefs or religion conflict with military service. Some representatives of indigenous peoples are also entitled to it. In practice, military registration and enlistment offices often refuse conscripts to undergo the ACS for official reasons.