Putin offers debt relief to boost military ranks in Ukraine
Vladimir Putin has signed a law allowing for the forgiveness of loans up to 10 million rubles ($96,000) for those fighting in Ukraine and their spouses. This move is another step by Russia to encourage volunteers to join the military.
The new law, signed by Vladimir Putin, allows for the forgiveness of outstanding loans up to 10 million rubles ($96,000) for men fighting in Ukraine and their spouses. This debt forgiveness is available to those who sign a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense on or after December 1st of this year, committing to fight in Ukraine for at least a year.
However, there is a condition: court enforcement proceedings must be initiated against them by December 1st.
Russia is intensifying efforts to attract volunteers to the military. In addition to loan forgiveness, salaries have been increased to several times higher than the average wage. This is part of a broader strategy, which also includes boosting defense spending.
Russia's war budget
The State Duma has completed work on the budget law for the years 2025-27, anticipating a 30% increase in defense spending next year. These expenses are expected to amount to 13.5 trillion rubles ($129,000), which constitutes 6.31% of Russia's GDP. Further high expenditures are planned for the following years.
Since 2022, Russia has reoriented its economy towards wartime activities, involving the development of the military industry and increased employment in this sector. The military budget for the current year was record-breaking, exceeding that of 2023 by 70%.
The budget law still needs to be approved by the Federation Council and signed by Putin. Russia plans to allocate at least 40% of its budget to defense and national security from 2025-27.
Russian soldiers have had enough
According to American and British intelligence data, Russian casualties may amount to as many as 700,000 killed and wounded soldiers, while Ukrainian casualties could be at least 300,000. However, the precise number of military casualties cannot be accurately determined.
Ukrainian journalist Yuriy Butusov published a video on Telegram featuring Russian soldiers who complained about the situation on the front line.
"We are foolishly sent to slaughter without reconnaissance and accurate intelligence, without artillery support, with one machine gun and four grenades, to capture fortified areas of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and without any support from the Russian Federation or military equipment," one of the Russian soldiers said in a complaint addressed to the Minister of National Defense.
