Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Saturday that forgives debts for new army recruits who enlist to fight in Ukraine, according to a Russian government website.
Agencies reported that the law provides for the forgiveness of up to 10 million rubles ($95,835) of arrears for those who sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense to fight in Ukraine for at least one year, starting December 1.
The law applies to all potential recruits against whom debt collection proceedings have been opened before December 1.
Russia has beefed up military recruitment by offering increasingly larger payments, in some cases several times the average salary, to those willing to fight in Ukraine.
The tactic has allowed the army to increase troops in the conflict zone, while avoiding another round of general mobilization like the one that caused a mass exodus from Russia in September 2022.
Figures show Russians are taking on more consumer debt since the Kremlin ordered tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine in 2022, even though the central bank raised its official interest rate to 21% in October.
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#Putin #signs #law #forgives #debts #army #recruits
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## World Today News Interview: Putin Forgives Debt to Entice New Recruits
**Host:** Welcome back to World Today News. Today we’re discussing a recent development in Russia’s recruitment efforts for its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
President Putin recently signed a new law that forgives debts for new army recruits who enlist to fight. Joining us today to discuss the implications of this law are Dr. Irina Petrova, a military analyst specializing in Russian military tactics, and Mr. Dmitri Ivanov, a leading economist focusing on the Russian economy.
Welcome both.
**Dr. Petrova:** Thanks for having me.
**Mr. Ivanov:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Dr. Petrova, let’s start with you. This new law seemingly offers a significant financial incentive to young Russians considering enlistment. How do you see this impacting Russia’s army recruitment drive?
**Dr. Petrova:**
This law is a clear sign that Russia is struggling to meet its manpower needs in Ukraine. While offering large sums of money has proven somewhat effective, the debt forgiveness scheme targets a specific demographic – those burdened by existing debts. These individuals may be more likely to see enlistment as a way out of financial hardship, thus increasing the pool of potential recruits.
**Host:**
Interesting point. Mr. Ivanov, from an economic perspective, how sustainable is this tactic? What are the long-term consequences of relying on debt forgiveness as a recruitment tool?
**Mr. Ivanov:**
This is a complex issue. On one hand, the law promises immediate relief for individuals struggling with debt burdens, which can be politically appealing. However, encouraging enlistment through debt forgiveness carries significant long-term risks. Firstly, it perpetuates a cycle of debt dependence among the population, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
Secondly, it indicates a potential desperation on the part of the government to fill its ranks, which could signal deeper problems within the Russian economy and society.
**Host:**
Let’s delve into those societal implications. Dr. Petrova, how might this law affect morale and public perception of the conflict amongst the Russian population?
**Dr. Petrova:**
The messaging behind this law is worth analyzing. It essentially portrays military service as a path towards financial stability, which could be perceived as opportunistic and exploitative by some.
This coupled with the avoidance of a general mobilization, which points towards concerns over public backlash, suggests a deep uneasiness within the Russian leadership regarding the war’s popularity.
**Host:** Mr. Ivanov, do you see this policy as indicative of a broader trend in Russian economic policy?
**Mr. Ivanov:**
Absolutely. We’re seeing a shift towards increasingly populist measures aimed at placating the population amidst mounting economic pressure. This law, along with other recent policies, points towards a government prioritizing
short-term gains over long-term sustainability, which could have dire consequences for the Russian economy in the long run.
**Host:**
Thank you both for these insightful observations. This new law clearly raises significant questions about Russia’s military strategy, its economic policies, and its relationship with its own citizens. **
The ramifications of this policy will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, making this a story worth watching closely.
