Newly recruited conscripts to the Russian army this autumn took part in a military roll-call ceremony in Sevastopol on Russia-controlled Crimea on Wednesday (October 22) before being dispatched to their respective units across Russia.

They will not be involved in what Moscow describes as its "special military operation" in Ukraine, said the military commissioner of Sevastopol, Lt.Colonel Vadim Snitko. He added that some 400 recruits from Sevastopol are expected to be called up for service in the Russian army by December 31.

The Russian authorities repeatedly said that conscripts drafted for compulsory military service would not take part in combat operations in Ukraine. However, after several months in service, they may be offered the opportunity to sign as a contracted soldier for professional military roles.

Russia sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, in what Moscow casts as a defensive move against a hostile and aggressive West. Ukraine and the West say Russia is waging an unprovoked, imperialistic attempt to grab land.

In a move condemned by most of the Western world, Russia annexed parts of eastern and southern Ukraine in late 2022, calling the areas the 'new regions' of the Russian Federation.

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and now views the Black Sea peninsula it as an integral part of its territory.

The mountainous peninsula is attached to the rest of Ukraine by a narrow strip of land in the north. To the east, it is separated from Russia by the narrow Kerch Strait. A bridge built by Russia across the strait has been damaged during the conflict.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: SEVASTOPOL, CRIMEA (OCTOBER 22, 2025) (REUTERS -Access all)

1. CONSCRIPTS AND PARADE GROUP STANDING IN FORMATION

2. CONSCRIPTS' FACES

3. CONSCRIPTS' BOOTS

4. CONSCRIPTS IN FORMATION / OFFICER REPORTING TO MILITARY COMMISSIONER

5. OFFICER REPORTING TO COMMISSIONER

6. COMMISSIONER SALUTING AS BAND IS HEARD PLAYING RUSSIAN ANTHEM

7. VARIOUS OF BAND PLAYING

8. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) SEVASTOPOL MILITARY COMMISSIONER, VADIM SNITKO, SAYING:

"Our guys are heading to the military units on the territory of the Russian Federation to the sites of permanent location. They will not be involved in the "special military operation", as I earlier said."

9. VARIOUS OF CONSCRIPTS IN STANDING FORMATION

10. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) SEVASTOPOL MILITARY COMMISSIONER, VADIM SNITKO, SAYING:

"It (the draft campaign) started on October 1. Sevastopol began to send (conscripts) on October 15. The Draft campaign is scheduled until December 31. Sevastopol will recruit to the ranks (of the Russian army) about 400 persons."

11. PRIEST ADDRESSING CONSCRIPTS

12. CONSCRIPTS LISTENING WITH HEADGEAR OFF

13. PRIEST GIVING BLESSING

14. CONSCRIPTS BEING SPRINKLED WITH HOLY WATER

15. PRIEST SPRINKLING CONSCRIPTS

16. (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) CONSCRIPTS, ANDREI ASADCHIKH, SAYING:

"The army service gives me life experience, communication with my mates, new contacts, new friends. It also provides travel (opportunities) to various cities when we are drafted."

17. MILITARY AND CIVILIAN OFFICIAL ATTENDING CEREMONY

18. OFFICER SALUTING

19. MEMBERS OF "YOUNG ARMY" OFFICIAL YOUTH GROUP ATTENDING CEREMONY

20. CONSCRIPTS START MARCHING

21. PEOPLE LOOKING AT MONUMENT TO SHIP LOST AT SEA IN SEVASTOPOL HARBOUR

22. BRONZE EAGLE ON TOP OF MONUMENT

23. MONUMENT TO SHIPS LOST AT SEA

24. YOUNG PEOPLE ON EMBANKMENT