President Vladimir Putin has reportedly extended the military service of General Valery Gerasimov, the head of the General Staff of Russia’s armed forces, beyond the age of 70, according to a Monday report from the Vedomosti business newspaper, which cited sources connected to the Russian Defense Ministry.

Typically, Gerasimov, who celebrated his 70th birthday on Monday, would have reached the age for mandatory retirement. However, a law signed by Putin in March 2021 eliminated this retirement age for senior presidential appointees, enabling them to continue serving beyond 70 if they wish.

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

If this information is confirmed, Gerasimov would be at least the fourth prominent Russian military and security figure to retain their position despite reaching the required retirement age. For example, Russia’s leading police investigator, Alexander Bastrykin, is currently 72.

According to analysts speaking to Vedomosti, the Kremlin is likely “pleased” with Gerasimov’s performance over the past three and a half years during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In his role as the head of Russia’s General Staff, which he has held since November 2012, Gerasimov is in charge of overseeing military operations. In 2023, he was appointed commander of Russian forces operating in Ukraine.