Russian parliament passes bill to remove age limit for military service

The Russian Navy during a military parade marking the 77th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, at Red Square, Moscow, May 9 – Photo: REUTERS

After being approved by the National Assembly, the bill will be presented to Russian President Putin for signature into law.

Russia’s lower house of parliament (the State Duma) said the move would allow the military to use the skills of older professionals.

“We need highly qualified specialists to use high-precision weapons, operate weapons and military equipment. Experience shows that such people are in the age group of 40-45,” Reuters news agency quoted the news agency as saying. newspaper of the Duma.

Previously, the age of enlistment for Russians was 18-40 years old and foreigners were 18-30 years old.

The Duma said the bill would also make it easier to recruit civilian health workers, engineers and communications professionals.

According to Reuters news agency, during the nearly 90-day war in Ukraine, Russia suffered the loss of people and equipment. Western military analysts say that Russia urgently needs to mobilize more troops.

“We need to strengthen our armed forces to help the Ministry of Defense. Our supreme commander-in-chief (Putin) is doing everything to make the army win and increase efficiency,” said the head of the State Duma. Russian expert Vyacheslav Volodin said.

The Duma said the planned initiative will also make it easier to recruit civilian health workers, engineers and operations and communications professionals.

Earlier, on May 24, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Moscow “will continue its special military operation until all objectives are achieved”, referring to hostilities in Ukraine.