Gerasimovs Tenure Extended: Putins Decision Defies Retirement Norms for Top Military Leaders

President Vladimir Putin has likely prolonged the military tenure of General Valery Gerasimov, the head of the General Staff of the Russian armed forces, following his 70th birthday, as reported by the business newspaper Vedomosti on Monday, citing sources linked to Russia’s Defense Ministry.

Typically, Gerasimov, who turned 70 on Monday, would have reached the standard retirement age.

However, in March 2021, Putin enacted legislation that eliminated the mandatory retirement age for senior officials appointed by the president, allowing them to continue serving beyond the age of 70 if they wish.

The Russian Defense Ministry has not made any official statements regarding Gerasimov’s reported extension of service.

If this is confirmed, Gerasimov would be at least the fourth high-ranking military and security official in Russia to retain their position after reaching the retirement age. For instance, Alexander Bastrykin, the country’s leading police investigator, is currently 72 years old.

Analysts have indicated to Vedomosti that the Kremlin is likely «pleased» with Gerasimov’s performance during the three and a half years of Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine.

As the chief of the General Staff—a role he has occupied since November 2012—Gerasimov is responsible for overseeing military operations. In 2023, he was designated as the commander of Russian troops in Ukraine.