English Section

Russia plans to raise age of contract soldiers: UK intel

13.02.2024 14:00
Russia is proposing draft legislation to raise the age of military contract personnel to age 65, and age 70 for officers, according to Britain's defence ministry.
A huge digital billboard in St. Petersburg promoting contract service in the Russian armed forces.
A huge digital billboard in St. Petersburg promoting "contract service in the Russian armed forces."Photo: EPA/ANATOLY MALTSEV

Intelligence experts have said this would substantially raise the current age limit of 51 for non-officers and would likely extend the contract lengththe UK defence ministry said in its latest Intelligence Update on the Situation in Ukraine.

“Although this measure will likely alleviate the need for additional mobilisation, increasing the number of military personnel aged over 51 is highly unlikely to increase Russia's combat effectiveness, particularly in kinetic assaults,” it assessed.

The prewar life expectancy for Russian males was 64.2 years, according to data cited by the British defence ministry. 

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, starting the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.

Tuesday is day 720 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

(gs)

Source: ukrinform.net