The Russian military has lost 50% of their forces and is enlisting 70 year olds

The claim consists of two parts: first, that the Russian military has lost 50% of its forces; second, that it is enlisting 70-year-olds. Regarding losses, multiple credible sources report that certain branches of the Russian military, such as the Airborne Forces, have lost up to half their personnel since the start of the Ukraine conflict.newsweek.comnewsweek.comRussia's Airborne Forces Lost 50% of Personnel, Ex-Kremlin Official Admits Broader estimates indicate severe manpower shortages and significant casualties across the military, with some reports suggesting overall personnel reductions near 50% compared to pre-invasion levels.united24media.comunited24media.comRussian Army Shrinks by 50% And Running Out of Manpower For Replacementnewsweek.comnewsweek.comRussia's Airborne Forces Lost 50% of Personnel, Ex-Kremlin Official Admits

However, these figures often refer to specific units or are estimates rather than official confirmed totals. The second part about enlisting 70-year-olds is less precise. Reports confirm that Russia has raised the age limit for military service and increasingly relies on older recruits, including men over 45 and even into their 50s.meduza.iomeduza.ioThe Russian army is increasingly relying on older recruits — but frontline...

There is no verified evidence from credible sources that Russia is enlisting men as old as 70 years for active combat roles. The recruitment of very elderly individuals would be highly unusual and likely impractical for frontline duties. Thus, while the military is indeed turning to older age groups due to manpower shortages, the specific claim about 70-year-olds is unsubstantiated.

Overall, the claim captures the general reality of heavy Russian losses and reliance on older recruits but exaggerates the age aspect.