Russia is now offering a historic signing bonus to recruit new soldiers as it grapples with troop shortages during its prolonged invasion of Ukraine.
On July 23, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin announced a one-time signing bonus of 1.9 million rubles (approximately $22,000) for residents who enlist in the military. The total earnings for a new recruit could reach 5.2 million rubles ($59,600) in their first year, according to the statement.
In addition to the signing bonus, recruits may receive one-time cash payments ranging from $5,690 to $11,390 for injuries, based on severity. The families of soldiers killed in action could receive $34,150.
Russia has suffered significant losses, with an estimated 87% reduction in its active-duty ground troops and two-thirds of its pre-invasion tanks, according to a declassified US intelligence assessment provided to Congress in December.
To address the shortfall, President Vladimir Putin has ordered an increase of 170,000 troops, raising the total number of military personnel to over 2.2 million, including 1.32 million active soldiers. This expansion represents a 15% increase and is part of a broader effort to strengthen the Russian military.
Putin first enacted a “partial mobilization” in September 2022, calling up military reservists and conscripting individuals with prior military experience following a series of setbacks. The ongoing conflict has also led to an exodus of military-age men seeking to avoid conscription.
No comments:
Post a Comment