Ukraine War: Russia seeks to recruit foreigners, older persons to bolster army
In a sign of Russia’s urgent need to bolster its war effort in Ukraine, parliament said on Friday it would consider a bill to allow Russians over 40 and foreigners over 30 to sign up for the military.
The website of the State Duma, parliament’s lower house, said 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.
Currently, only Russians aged 18-40 and foreigners aged 18-30 can enter into a first contract with the military.
Russia has suffered huge setbacks and heavy losses of men and equipment in the 86-day-old war, in which Ukraine has mobilised practically its entire adult male population.
Despite taking full control of the ruins of Mariupol, Moscow remains far from its objective of seizing Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.
“Clearly, the Russians are in trouble.
“This is the latest attempt to address manpower shortages without alarming their own population.
“But it is growing increasingly difficult for the Kremlin to disguise their failures in Ukraine,’’ said retired U.S. General Ben Hodges, a former commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe.
Jack Watling, a land warfare specialist at the British Security and Defence think tank RUSI, said the Russian military was running short of infantry.
“Russia needs to stabilise manning in its military units in Ukraine and generate new units if it is to improve its position on the ground,’’ he said.
“This will be a slow and complicated process, but can be accelerated by mobilising people with existing skills and military experience.’’
The Duma said the proposed legislation would also make it easier to recruit civilian medics, engineers, operations and communications specialists.
Separately, Russian Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu, in a said on Friday that Russia was forming 12 military units in its western military district in response to rising threats there, citing NATO membership bids by Finland and Sweden.
(Reuters/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Tinubu advised me never to negotiate with criminals, Gov Ododo says
“I don’t play with criminals, and I don’t negotiate with them. I can tell you that, as far as Kogi State is concerned, we don’t have a department for ransom payment,” he said.
Heading 1
U.S. has spent $37.5 billion on Iran war: Hegseth
“The estimate we have as of today is $37.5 billion,” Mr Hegseth said.
Lagos
Slain Lagos NURTW organising secretary buried amid tears
Mr Ajiboye died days after he was attacked by gunmen.
Africa
144 refugees, migrants dead, missing off Mauritania coast: UNHCR
“The refugees and migrants were reported dead or missing after attempting the perilous sea journey from West Africa towards Europe,” the agency said.
World
U.S. govt condemns Ortega’s ban on elections in Nicaragua
Mr Rubio urged the international community to rise against Mr Ortega’s dictatorship.
World
Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s top general after firing defence minister
Mr Syrskyi’s dismissal came days after Mr Zelensky fired Ukraine’s defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that sparked protests across the country.
