In recent years, young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) has become an important indicator in studying young people by both international organizations and in various countries. NEET indicates young people with a high risk of social exclusion. The number of studies in Russia on this subject is so far very limited. The aim of the study was to identify and describe the socio-structural attributes that characterize NEET youth in Russia and main reasons for the NEET situation. The data source is the Russian Labour Force Survey for 2014; young people between 15 and 24 are analysed. The paper shows that 2.3 million young people aged 15–24 years were excluded from the labour market and education in Russia in 2014. This means that 13.0% of all young people in this age group fell in the NEET category. Unemployment and disability is a major reason for NEET among young men while majority of women are NEETs as a result of family/home responsibilities. Low level of education and lacking work experience significantly increase the likelihood of being NEET and extend duration of joblessness. Youth with lower secondary education are 2,5 times more likely to be NEET compared to those with tertiary education. Young people without any work experience are 2,5 times more likely to become NEET than those with work experience. Employment potential of the Russian economically inactive NEETs is low. Only 8.2% of inactive NEETs are potential labour force i.e. they sought employment not currently available or did not seek employment, but wanted to work.