Russian lawmakers introduced a bill raising the upper age limit for military conscription on Monday, drawing criticism that it may be attempting to compensate for troop losses in Ukraine by expanding eligibility for mobilization. Shoigu said at the time that the move would “improve the composition and the structure” of the Russian Armed Forces and respond to “NATO’s growing military potential close to Russia’s borders. Having gained Putin’s approval, the bill is almost certain to become law and be sent to Putin for his signature after undergoing three readings in the State Duma and one in the upper-chamber Federation Council