Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree banning the use of foreign-made military uniforms for the Russian Armed Forces starting January 1, 2026. From 2027, all fabrics and materials must also be sourced domestically.
The order, signed on August 11, tasks the Russian government, Ministry of Defense, and Ministry of Industry and Trade with ensuring all clothing and equipment are produced by companies operating within Russia.
It is unclear if the ban will apply to close allies such as Belarus and Kazakhstan, both part of the same free trade bloc. The current suppliers of Russian military uniforms have not been officially named, though Radio Free Asia reported that North Korea provided uniforms as recently as late 2022.
According to that report, Russia shipped materials to North Korea, where uniforms were made in Pyongyang factories before being returned by rail. In 2024, Moscow and Pyongyang signed a mutual defense treaty, deepening military and trade ties including the supply of troops, weapons, and munitions to support Russia’s war in Ukraine in exchange for resources and technology.
It remains unknown whether North Korea continues to supply uniforms or if the new decree will disrupt this arrangement.
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