Ukraine, Putin cancels debts up to 10 million rubles for new recruits

(Adnkronos) – To address the higher number of casualties at the front in Ukraine compared to new recruits, and thus to increase the number of those willing to enlist without resorting to mobilization, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a provision that cancels debts up to ten million rubles (the equivalent of 140,000 dollars) for those who sign a contract of at least one year with the Ministry of Defense to serve in Ukraine, starting from May 1st of this year. The provision extends to the wives of new recruits. Formalizing a new mobilization, after the partial one in September 2022 for the recruitment of 300,000 soldiers, would have very delicate political consequences for Putin. Currently, the state provides a bonus of 400,000 rubles (4,500 dollars) for those who agree to go to the front, although several regions have offered higher bonuses, in addition to incentives such as university admission for children.