The Kremlin is offering new financial incentives to recruit more fighters for Russia’s war in Ukraine, including debt relief for new soldiers and their spouses.
In a statement published on its Telegram channel late Monday, the Kremlin said participants in what Moscow calls its “special military operation” and their spouses would be exempt from repayment obligations on overdue loans of up to 10 million roubles ($139,000).
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the decree introducing the measure, the message said.
The scheme applies to recruits who have signed contracts since May 1, 2026 committing to at least one year of military service in Ukraine. The debt relief only applies to existing overdue loans and does not cover newly…