Updated

Vladimir Putin backed a proposal to allow volunteers with blindness, deafness, schizophrenia and other conditions classified as Category D fitness to serve in regional units defending against Ukrainian drone attacks. The proposal was put to Putin by Yevgeny Poddubny, a state television 'war correspondent' who heads United Russia's electoral list, reflecting the party's messaging ahead of upcoming elections. The move highlights growing manpower pressures within Russia's expanding air-defense apparatus as it seeks to counter increasing Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian territory, and comes as authorities look for ways to broaden the pool of people eligible for auxiliary military-related roles.