Russia’s parliament has said it will consider a bill to allow citizens over 40 and foreigners over 30 to sign up for the military.
The website of the State Duma, parliament’s lower house, said on Friday that the move would enable the military to utilise 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.
The Duma said the planned initiative would also make it easier to recruit civilian medics, engineers and operations and communications specialists.
Analysts believe the move by the Duma is a sign that Moscow now urgently has need to mobilize more soldiers in Ukraine.
A recent Reuters report says Russia has suffered huge setbacks and heavy losses of men and equipment since it invaded its southern neighbor on February 24.
Writing by Tony Okerafor