Russia's Controversial Military Policies: From Draft Age Backtracks to Mobilization Age Increase

Russia has backtracked on its pledge to raise the minimum conscription age from 18 to 21, despite plans to increase troop numbers. The bill, originally backed by President Vladimir Putin, will now only raise the upper age limit to 30. The decision to keep the lower age limit intact was made because many young men want to serve at 18. The bill has been backed by the Defense Committee in Russia's lower-house State Duma and requires a vote from the upper-house Federation Council and Putin's signature to become law. The changes will be enforced in next year's spring call-up.