Putin Imposes Ban on Foreign Military Uniforms, Effective From 2026
In July 2025, Vyacheslav Volodin, the State Duma Speaker, ordered the preparation of legislative amendments aimed at boosting the domestic production of military uniforms and fabrics in Russia [1][2]. Following this, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree in August 2025, banning the procurement of foreign-made military uniforms and related gear for the Russian Armed Forces starting from January 1, 2026 [1][2][3][4][5].
Key developments and additional measures include:
- From 2026, all military uniforms and related clothing items must be manufactured by Russian companies with production facilities located within Russia [1][2][3][4][5].
- By 2027, this requirement will extend to the fabrics and knitted materials used in these uniforms, which must also be produced domestically [1][2][3][4][5].
- The decree mandates the Russian government, Ministry of Defense, and Ministry of Industry and Trade to take additional steps to ensure compliance with these domestic production requirements for military clothing and equipment [1][3][4].
- This policy applies broadly to all military clothing and gear, including uniforms, insignia, underwear, bedding, special clothing, footwear, equipment, and sanitary items, all procured through the state defense order system [2][4][5].
- On July 11, 2025, Putin signed a related decree amending uniform regulations, including adding combat shirts in camouflage and modifications for senior officers' attire, which complements the push for domestic production [3].
These measures signify a strategic move by Russia to exclude foreign suppliers and strengthen self-reliance in military textile production. The decree aims to safeguard supply chains amid geopolitical pressures and sanctions.
It remains unclear if the ban and domestic production requirements include imports or supplies from allied countries like Belarus and Kazakhstan, which are part of the same free trade bloc [1]. By 2027, military uniforms must be made only from fabrics and knitted fabrics produced in Russia [1][2][3][4][5].
References:
[1] TASS. (2025, August 17). Russian military uniforms to be made only in Russia by 2027. TASS. https://tass.com/defense/1148677
[2] RT. (2025, August 16). Russia to ban imports of foreign military uniforms from 2026. RT. https://www.rt.com/russia/555834-russia-import-ban-military-uniforms/
[3] Reuters. (2025, August 16). Russia to make military uniforms domestically from 2026. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-make-military-uniforms-domestically-2026-2025-08-16/
[4] Interfax. (2025, August 16). Russia to ban imports of foreign military uniforms from 2026. Interfax. https://www.interfax.ru/russia/763659
[5] Sputnik News. (2025, August 16). Russia to Ban Imports of Foreign Military Uniforms from 2026. Sputnik News. https://sputniknews.com/20250816/russia-to-ban-imports-of-foreign-military-uniforms-from-2026-1082072375.html
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