Russian pilots participating in the operation to push Ukrainian forces out of Russia’s Kursk region recently left an unusual written message on a bomb, voicing frustrations over unpaid bonuses.
Waiting for Bonuses
The image, which circulated on social media, showed a message addressed to Russia’s Defense Ministry on a glide bomb, according to Ziare.
Since the large-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, reports of low morale within Russia’s military have been common, with many soldiers expressing concerns over both their leadership and the tactics used in combat.
The Russian government initially attracted personnel with high salaries and bonus packages, but as the conflict nears its third year, complaints from soldiers and their families about missed payments are increasing.
According to Newsweek, some Russian troops are still waiting for bonuses promised to them months ago, a frustration now coming to light in a rather unexpected way.
'I'm a Glide Bomb'
The message on the bomb was shared by War Translated, a pro-Ukraine account on X (formerly Twitter).
Written from the perspective of the bomb itself, the note reads:
“Dear Ministry of Defense, I’m a FAB with UMPK (glide bomb). Soon, I’ll fly to destroy the occupiers in the Kursk region. I’m upset because my crew hasn’t received counter-terrorism operation bonuses since August. Fix it! P.S. You can make mistakes, but you can’t lie.”
On August 6, Ukrainian forces made a swift incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, capturing hundreds of square miles of territory. Moscow’s initial response was delayed, but it eventually deployed 50,000 additional soldiers from the frontlines in Ukraine to reclaim the area.
According to sources from Ukraine, this latest operation near Kursk saw the debut of American M1 Abrams tanks, which were used in Ukrainian assaults near Novoivanovka, as reported by the Institute for the Study of War.
The bomb message has become a symbol of growing discontent among Russian troops, who face both the dangers of the frontlines and the ongoing struggles for adequate compensation. These internal issues come as the prolonged conflict stretches Russia's resources and raises concerns about the sustainability of its military campaigns.
