State Duma approves first reading of bill raising military draft age to 30

The State Duma passed the first reading of a bill aimed at raising the age for military conscription in Russia.

According to the bill, beginning in 2024 the maximum age for conscription will be raised to 30. Also starting in 2024, the minimum conscription age will be gradually increased from 18 to 21.

This means that in 2024 Russian men between the ages of 19 and 30 will be draft eligible. In 2025, the draft will apply to men between 20 and 30; and in 2026 to men between 21 and 30.

Russian citizens who wish to serve in the army of their own volition will be able to enter the military at 18.

The changes are parter of a broader army reform package, which Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu proposed in December 2022.