Russia proposes raising maximum age for women's military service to 50

The Russian government has submitted a bill to the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, that would raise the maximum age at which women can serve in the military from 45 to 50. The bill appears in the Duma's database. It comes as Russia continues its war against Ukraine.

Changes to reserve service

The proposal would also lift the maximum age for women in the reserves. For officers, the limit would rise from 50 to 55, and for women of other ranks from 45 to 50.

Stated rationale

The bill's explanatory note says the amendments are needed to create additional social guarantees for female service members. Its authors argue that the current age ceiling does not always let women serve long enough to qualify for a pension and other benefits.

As an example, they describe a woman who signs a contract between the ages of 25 and 30 and serves in a location where preferential pension service credit does not apply. After reaching the maximum service age, she may be left without subsidized housing or a pension.

The government also noted that, amid the war with Ukraine, most personnel in medical units are women, including those who have reached or are approaching the maximum age for military service.

Earlier change

In July 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law that raised the maximum reserve age by five years for certain citizens holding military ranks. The amendments set new age limits for soldiers, sailors, sergeants, petty officers, warrant officers and midshipmen.