Russian parliament to consider allowing over-40s to sign up for military
The website of the State Duma, parliament's lower house, said the move would enable the military to utilize the skills of older professionals. "For the use of high-precision weapons, the operation of weapons, and military equipment, highly professional specialists are needed.

- Country:
- Russian Federation
In a sign of Russia's urgent need to bolster its war effort in Ukraine, parliament said on Friday it would consider a bill to allow Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 to sign up for the military. The website of the State Duma, parliament's lower house, said the move would enable the military to utilize the skills of older professionals.
"For the use of high-precision weapons, the operation of weapons, and military equipment, highly professional specialists are needed. Experience shows that they become such by the age of 40–45," it said. Previously only Russians aged 18-40 and foreigners aged 18-30 could enter into a first contract with the military.
Russia has suffered huge setbacks and heavy losses of men and equipment in the 86-day-old war, prompting Western military analysts to say it urgently needs to mobilize more soldiers. The Duma said the planned initiative would also make it easier to recruit civilian medics, engineers, and operations and communications specialists.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
ALSO READ
WRAPUP 7-Russia destroys bridge over Ukrainian river, cutting escape route
Canada decries official's visit to Russian embassy event
S-400 defence missile system delivery proceeding well: Russian envoy
Ukraine and Russia: What you need to know right now
What next? Ukraine's allies divided over Russia endgame