Putin Annuls Financial Debts for Russian Soldiers Pledging to Fight in Ukraine
Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has signed a law that will relieve soldiers who commit to fighting on the Ukrainian front from their financial debts. This move is geared towards incentivizing more soldiers to fight in Ukraine.
Details of the Law
The law stipulates that debts up to 10 million rubles (equivalent to $95,835) will be written off for those soldiers who have debt recovery procedures open by December 1, provided they commit to fighting for a minimum of one year in Ukraine. This is part of Russia’s strategy to attract volunteers willing to fight on the Ukrainian front by offering financial incentives, including increased salaries.
Recruitment Challenges
Despite these incentives, the number of Russians willing to sign contracts with the Russian army has experienced a significant decrease in the first half of this year. However, there was a slight increase after Ukraine attacked the Russian province of Kursk in August.
In 2022, Putin mobilized approximately 300,000 reservists, but the move led to a mass exodus of Russians who fled the country for fear of being sent to the front. Putin has since promised not to order any more mobilizations, stating that the number of Russians volunteering to join the army would suffice.
Impact of the War
The war, which started with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has seen both sides suffering heavy human casualties, making replacements challenging. While Russia continues to rely on volunteerism, Ukraine has adopted strict mobilization measures, leading to numerous attempts to flee the country and forced recruitment actions.
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Several reports have emerged about the war’s brutality, including the life imprisonment of two Russian soldiers who massacred a Ukrainian family of nine, including two children. Additionally, 26 Russian soldiers were captured by Ukrainians after a battle in Kursk.
Despite the harsh realities of the war, Putin’s latest move suggests that he is determined to continue the conflict and is willing to use financial incentives to ensure a steady supply of soldiers.
