DESPERATE Vladimir Putin plans to recruit aging retired soldiers to replenish his forces after almost 20,000 troops were wiped out in Ukraine.
British intelligence claims the tactic will be used in an effort to generate more fighting power in response to mounting losses in the face of heroic Ukrainian defenders.
The move was outlined by the UK’s Ministry of Defence in its latest intelligence update on Sunday.
It said: “In response to mounting losses, the Russian armed forces seek to bolster troop numbers with personnel discharged from military service since 2012.
“Efforts to generate more fighting power also include trying to recruit from the unrecognized Transnistria region of Moldova.”
The new recruits could be more than 60-years-old with Federal Law capping the ages of Russian Military personnel, 19FortyFive reported.
Recruitment of soldiers who retired in 2012 due to their age could mean they are several years over 60.
The approach echoes similar tactics taken by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party who, under orders, constructed the so-called “Volkssturm” of civilian forces during the last months of World War II.
It was comprised of German men aged between 16 and 60 who were not already serving in the military.
