In force · in force from 9 January 2026 (the whole law; it has no own date, so 10 days after publication (general rule, art. 6 of Law 5-FZ of 14.06.1994))
534-ФЗ of 29 December 2025 «On amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation»
Who is affected
Service members released from punishment conditionally because of a contract (art. 80.2) or whose criminal case was suspended at the command's request.
Who is not affected
For other service members the penalties under arts. 337-339 are not changed by this law.
What changes
- New, stricter parts of art. 337 (leaving a unit without permission) for this group: 2-6, 3-8 and 7-12 years.
- Desertion (art. 338) for this group: 10-20 years.
- Evading service by simulation (art. 339) for this group: 7-12 years.
What to do now
- If you signed a contract to be released from punishment or to suspend a case, do not leave the unit without talking to human rights groups first.
- Check with a lawyer which group you are in: the penalties depend on it.
What is not yet clear
How courts apply the new parts is not yet visible from official sources.