Russia’s State Duma Wednesday approved a law to change the age of enlistment in Russia. The law allows individuals over the age of 40 to enter the armed forces. In order for the change to become law, President Vladimir Putin needs to sign it.

As the Ukrainian invasion continues, Russia is dealing with high casualty numbers. According to Ukrainian sources, Russia has lost more soldiers than they did during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan from 1979-1989. In stark contrast to the ten-year invasion, the invasion of Ukraine has been going on for just over three months. The true number of casualties are unknown because Russia has not released their figures. As Russia’s invasion is met with strong Ukrainian resistance and a united West, Russia’s invasion is going slowly and with little progress. Russia has strongholds in Ukraine’s south and east, including Crimea which Russia annexed in 2014.

Russia asked neighbor and ally Kazakhstan for military assistance just one day after the invasion. Kazakhstan refused. Less than one month later, Russia asked China for assistance, who also refused.

The War in Ukraine is far from over as neither side seems to be relenting. However as Russian troop numbers dwindle and casualties rise, Russia might reconsider its strategy.