Putin offers loan forgiveness to attract Ukraine fighters
Vladimir Putin has signed a law permitting the forgiveness of loans for those involved in military action in Ukraine and their spouses, up to 10 million roubles (92,000 euros). This is another move by Russia to motivate individuals to enlist in the military.
Vladimir Putin signed a law that allows for the cancellation of outstanding loans up to 10 million roubles (92,000 pounds) for men fighting in Ukraine and their wives. The debt forgiveness will be available to those who sign a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defence on or after 1st December of this year, committing to fight in Ukraine for at least a year.
However, there is a caveat: court enforcement proceedings must be initiated against them by 1st December.
Russia is intensifying its efforts to attract volunteers to the military. In addition to loan forgiveness, salaries have been raised to multiple times the average wage. This is part of a broader strategy, which also involves increasing defence spending.
Russia's war budget
The State Duma has concluded work on the budget law for the years 2025-27, anticipating a 30% increase in defence spending next year. These expenses are expected to amount to 13.5 trillion roubles (124 billion euros), 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, which involved the development of the military industry and increased employment in this sector. The military budget for the current year was unprecedented, 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 defence and national security from 2025 to 27.
Russian soldiers have had enough
According to American and British intelligence data, Russian casualties could 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 voiced complaints 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 read in a complaint addressed to the Minister of National Defence.
