In an indication of Russia’s pressing need to reinforce its war effort in Ukraine, the Russian parliament said on Friday that it would adopt a law that would allow Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 to join the military.

According to the State Duma’s website, the measure will allow the military to make use of the expertise of senior specialists.

“Highly professional personnel are required for the use of high-precision weapons, as well as the operation of weapons and military equipment. They become so at the age of 40–45, according to experience “it remarked.

Only Russians and foreigners aged 18-30 are currently eligible to sign a first contract with the military.

In the 86-day war, in which Ukraine has enlisted almost its entire adult male population, Russia has suffered significant reverses and massive losses of soldiers and equipment. Despite taking complete control of Mariupol’s ruins, Moscow is still a long way from capturing the entire Donbas region in eastern Ukraine.

“The Russians are clearly in trouble. This is the latest attempt to deal with staffing shortages without upsetting their own people. However, the Kremlin is finding it increasingly harder to hide its failings in Ukraine “A former commander of US Army operations in Europe, retired US General Ben Hodges, remarked.

According to Jack Watling, a land warfare specialist at RUSI, a British security and defense think tank, the Russian military is running short of infantry.

“If Russia intends to enhance its position on the ground, it must stabilize personnel in its military formations in Ukraine and establish new units,” he said.

“This will be a long and difficult process, but it may be sped up by mobilizing those who already have skills and military experience.”

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