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 incurred debt.
The measure appears aimed at reviving Russia’s slowing recruitment drive for the war, now in its fifth year.
Russia is estimated to have around 700,000 troops deployed in the war zone, but casualties are high. Monthly losses are believed to exceed 30,000 personnel, according to recent estimates by NATO.
Russian regions have already been offering large financial bonuses to attract recruits. More recently, the military launched a campaign at universities to recruit students for the war.
Observers say, however, that the number of volunteers continues to decline, fuelling speculation about a new wave of forced mobilization similar to the one ordered by Putin in late 2022 after Russia suffered a series of military setbacks in Ukraine.
According to official figures, around 300,000 men were drafted during that mobilization drive.
