Russia erases debt for recruits fighting in Ukraine under new law

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law erasing debts for new military recruits who agree to serve in Ukraine, according to an announcement on a Russian government website.

The law, effective from December 1, allows for the cancellation of outstanding debts up to 10 million rubles (approximately $95,835) for individuals who sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense to fight in Ukraine for at least one year.

Incentives to Boost Recruitment

This measure applies to potential recruits facing debt collection proceedings initiated before December 1. It is part of Russia’s broader effort to recruit more soldiers for the conflict, offering increasingly lucrative incentives, including salaries significantly higher than the national average.

By bolstering its military ranks through financial incentives, the Kremlin has so far avoided another round of mass mobilization, which caused widespread public outcry and a surge of emigration during a previous draft in September 2022.