Russia to Reduce Payments to Wounded Soldiers Amid Rising War Costs
In a move indicating the increasing financial and personnel strain of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia is reportedly reducing the payments given to servicemen injured in the war. A recent decree from the Kremlin has lowered the compensation for medical treatment of soldiers seriously wounded in the fighting. The reduction means those with less severe injuries will now receive between $10,000 and $1,000, a considerable decrease from the previous flat rate of $30,000 for any wounded serviceman.
New Compensatory Guidelines
Under the new guidelines, soldiers will only receive the full compensation if they sustain life-threatening injuries that seriously affect vital organs. This includes severe afflictions such as spinal, rib, brain injuries or broken legs. Injuries deemed less serious, like minor fractures, sprains, or gunshot wounds that do not affect other organs, will receive a reduced compensation of $10,000.
Impact on Russia’s War Budget
This move is indicative of the mounting costs the Kremlin is facing due to the Ukrainian conflict. A recent analysis by Thomas Lattanzio of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Advanced International Studies and Harry Stevens of the Center for the National Interest estimated that by May 2024, the total cost of compensating the war wounded would amount to around $26 billion, nearly 6% of Russia’s total budget for that year.
Troop Casualties and Compensation
Despite reports of Russian victories in the Donetsk region, the high price in terms of human loss is evident. Recent estimates by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry indicate that Moscow has lost 1,690 men in the conflict. Speculations are rife about the steps President Putin may take to cover the high soldier casualty numbers, given the decreasing workforce and potential unrest over new mobilization orders.
Social Budgets Used for War Compensation
An investigation by independent Russian investigative portal iStories found that several Russian regions are using about half of their social budgets to provide compensation for the high troop losses. These funds were originally intended for key social services and support for groups such as orphans, large families, and disabled individuals.
Family Compensation Unchanged
Despite the reduction in wounded soldier compensation, the law providing $75,000 to the families of those killed in the war remains unchanged. This reflects the Russian government’s ongoing commitment to support the families of fallen servicemen, even as the conflict places increasing financial strain on the country.
