The Russian government is taking steps to ensure the strength of its military forces in face of the growing losses in the war with Ukraine. On Monday, a bill was proposed to the Duma which would increase the age range of draftees from 18 to 27 years old to 21 to 30 years old with the minimum age gradually rising to 21 by 2026. This move is expected to be passed in January and has been criticized by some as an attempt to increase the number of recruits for military in order to offset losses in Ukraine.
President Vladimir Putin has ordered a partial mobilization of 300,000 reservists and proposed increasing the military from 1.15 million to 1.5 million, both of which have been supported by the United Kingdom Defense Ministry. Reports estimate that both sides have suffered around 150,000 casualties since the start of the war, including deaths and injuries. Last Sunday, Kyiv reported 1,090 Russian combatants killed in the country.
The proposed bill aims to save money on medical exams for young recruits and to ensure higher education for conscripts. Despite this, critics suggest that the bill is a response to increasing losses in the war against Ukraine and could lead to further protests and exemptions for citizens in certain occupations. By increasing the maximum age for conscription, the Russian government appears to be making a concerted effort to bolster its military forces and ensure its strength in the face of possible losses in Ukraine.