Amid escalating military losses and recruitment challenges, Russia is implementing substantial financial incentives to encourage enlistment and bolster its armed forces.
$4,600 For Each Recruit
According to the independent news portal Wiorstka, Russian authorities have introduced a new program in at least nine regions, offering significant bonuses for those who recruit friends to join the military.
The program, which operates under the name "referral bonuses," allows individuals to earn up to 100,000 rubles (approximately $4,600) for each recruit they bring in.
This initiative is part of Russia's broader strategy to address its mounting casualty rates and recruitment difficulties, especially given the current lack of a formal mobilization wave.
Also read
Financial Incentives for Volunteers
In Moscow, local officials have introduced a one-time bonus of 1.9 million rubles (around $22,000) for those who enlist, with potential earnings reaching nearly $60,000 in the first year of service. This hefty bonus underscores the extreme measures being taken to attract new soldiers. Enlistees could also receive additional payments for injuries sustained during combat, ranging from $5,690 to $11,390, while the families of fallen soldiers are eligible for payouts of up to $34,150.
The recruitment drive also includes financial incentives for volunteers who sign open-ended contracts. Regional authorities in Yaroslavl and Tatarstan are known to offer significant rewards for new recruits. These efforts highlight the growing desperation within the Russian military to maintain and expand its forces amidst the ongoing conflict.
Recent reports suggest that Russia has suffered approximately 120,000 military casualties since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, a number that underscores the urgency behind these recruitment drives. In response, President Vladimir Putin has decreed an increase in military personnel by around 170,000 to strengthen the armed forces.
