Putin signs a tough new military draft law, banning conscripts from fleeing RussiaEnlarge this image toggle caption Sefa Karacan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Sefa Karacan/Anadolu Agency via Getty ImagesMOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new law that cracks down on draft dodging. Lawmakers rushed the legislation through both houses of parliament this week, and the president signed the law Friday. Until now, military recruitment officers have had to go in person to deliver a paper summons to a draftee's home or workplace. Provisions preventing draft dodgers from selling or transferring property, in particular, target Russians who fled abroad from cashing out. Russia continues to struggle to meet its military objectives in Ukraine — suffering heavy losses and failing to control territory Moscow illegally claimed to have annexed last fall.
