Putin Doubles Military Recruitment Bonuses in Ukraine

In a bid to boost military recruitment amid significant battlefield losses, Russian President Vladimir Putin has doubled the signing bonus for new recruits to 400,000 rubles (approximately $4,600), effective from August 1 until the end of 2024. This increase from the previous payment of 195,000 rubles reflects Russia's struggle to maintain troop numbers in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where casualty estimates reach as high as 500,000. Regional authorities are encouraged to match this payment, with some regions reportedly offering bonuses up to 1.9 million rubles. Financial incentives have become a key strategy for recruitment, targeting economically distressed communities where military service is seen as a lucrative opportunity. However, experts warn that these measures could exacerbate labor market issues and drive inflation in the already strained Russian economy. The rising military costs and recruitment bonuses highlight the ongoing manpower crisis as the war enters its third year.