Russian Cabinet proposes raising women’s military service age limit to 50

The bill would increase the current limit of 45. If passed, it could take effect on January 1, 2027.

The Russian government has submitted a bill to the State Duma that would raise the maximum age for women’s military service from 45 to 50, Lenta.ru reported, citing the lower house’s electronic database. The explanatory note says the current limit can prevent some service members from completing the years needed to qualify for a pension and other support.

The authors cite women who sign military contracts at 25 to 30 and may not accrue enough service time to qualify for housing and pension benefits if those benefits are unavailable at their place of assignment. The note also says women make up a large share of personnel in medical units during the military operation in Ukraine.

The bill would take effect only if approved by the State Duma and signed by the president. The proposed start date is January 1, 2027. Its submission is reported by Lenta.ru; it has not yet become law.