Russian recruits lured by lucrative wartime incentives
According to information provided by the Russian opposition portal Sibir.Realii, there appears to be no shortage of people in Russia willing to risk their lives in war. They are reportedly enticed by the large sums of money offered by the state. The "burial money" itself amounts to 11 million roubles (about 101,000 pounds)
"Of course, I am saddened by the loss of our son. He didn't have any children. He was only 24 years old. But now we can finally repair the house and buy a new car," said an anonymous man from the recruitment centre in Iskitim, near Novosibirsk, as reported by Sibir.Realii and quoted by gazeta.pl.
The man was there to obtain a death certificate for his son, who had participated in the war in Ukraine. Without it, the family would not be eligible to receive the substantial compensation from the state. The so-called burial payment, depending on the region, can reach up to 11 million rubles (about 101,000 pounds). This is approximately ten times the average annual salary in Russia.
Russians go to war for money
This is how the Russian state is reportedly encouraging citizens to engage in warfare. In a conversation with the portal "Verstka" regarding recruitment in Moscow itself, an anonymous employee of the recruitment centre stated that practically everyone who signs a contract to participate in the war does so for the financial benefits.
The aforementioned "burial money" is not the only payment Russians can anticipate. Significant one-time payments are given just for signing the contract. Depending on the region, enlisting earns about 900,000 rubles (approximately 8,300 pounds). Including federal contributions, joining the military can earn around 1,3 million rubles (roughly 12,000 pounds).
Russia takes anyone
According to the Sibir.Realii portal, in all four recruitment centres visited by journalists, recruiters confirmed there are no restrictions on admission. Healthy individuals, as well as older ones, even those who have had heart attacks or suffer from mental illnesses, or have been in psychiatric facilities, are accepted.
Due to this, according to calculations by German analyst Janis Kluge, Russia can expect a daily intake of about 600 recruits across 37 regions of the country. Janis Kluge suggests that the Kremlin's objective is to sign approximately 1,440 contracts daily.
