A Russian soldier adjusts the uniform of a conscript at a gathering point before departure for garrisons in Omsk, Russia.
A draft law raising the age of conscription into Russia's army has been submitted to parliament's lower house. Under the bill, the draft age will rise in 2026 to 21 years of age from the current 18 years of age. The upper end of the draft age requirement will also increase, to 30 years of age from the current 27. The changes were first announced by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in December. Some analysts say the moves, along with other changes, are an acknowledgment of the systemic issues Russia's military faces, problems highlighted by the grinding conflict in Ukraine. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here .
