Title: Russia Plans to Increase Eligible Males for Mandatory Military Service

Official media reported today that Russia will maintain the mandatory military conscription age for young men at 18, which will permanently increase the number eligible for military service. Currently, all males aged between 18 and 27 in Russia are required to serve in the military for one year or undergo training while pursuing higher education. Former General Andrei Kartapolov proposed a phased postponement of the conscription age to include those aged 21 to 30. However, the Russian news agency TASS quoted him saying, "It has been decided to keep the minimum age at 18, as this is already the age many young people wish to serve in the military."