By Le Figaro with AFP
Published yesterday at 7:50 p.m., updated at 9:26 p.m.
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The new legislation will allow anyone who signs a one-year contract to fight in Ukraine after December 1 to be freed from debts up to the equivalent of 92,000 euros, according to the Russian government.
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Saturday that allows those who sign up to fight in Ukraine to forgive debts they cannot pay up to the equivalent of 92,000 euros, according to the government.
The new legislation will allow everyone who signs a one-year contract to go to fight in Ukraine after December 1 to free themselves from debts, for which a collection order was issued before this date. It will also apply to their spouses. The total amount of debts covered will be 10 million rubles, or around 92,000 euros at the current rate.
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This measure, approved Tuesday by the Russian Parliament, is considered by experts to be a strong incentive, as Russia seeks volunteers for a conflict that has now lasted more than a thousand days.
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Young Russians of fighting age
The text will mainly concern young Russians of fighting age, because those in their twenties and thirties and under are the most likely to have taken out loans, particularly to acquire housing. The legislation provides “a new way to get rid of an unbearable burden of debt, at least for several hundred thousand people”wrote political analyst Georgi Bovt on Telegram.
“Until now, there were only provisions to delay repayments” for the fighters, noted Sergei Krivenko, of the defense group Citizen Army Law, to the Telegram channel Vajnié Istori. The new legislation also applies to conscripts and those mobilized for“special military operation” – official name of the offensive in Ukraine -, noted Mr. Krivenko.
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Conscripts theoretically cannot be sent to the front but can choose to sign a contract to join the professional army and be sent to fight in Ukraine. Russian authorities “reinforce the motivation to sign such a contract”notes Mr. Bovt. Russian fighters serving on the front lines are already paid much better than the national average. Interest rates are extremely high in Russia, and many Russians have almost no cash savings.
More than 13 million Russians had at least three loans in the first half of the year – a figure up 20% year-on-year – with an average debt of 1.4 million rubles (12,900 euros), according to a report from the Central Bank published last month. Many of them first obtain bank loans and then seek further loans from microfinance organizations.
On the other side, Ukraine also has legislation allowing fighters to obtain preferential terms for loans and, in some cases, cancel their debts.
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**How might Russia’s debt forgiveness policy for Ukrainian fighters impact the economic and social stability within Russia? Will it alleviate financial burdens for some, or exacerbate existing inequalities?**
## Interview Question Guide: Russia’s Debt Forgiving Policy for Ukrainian Fighters
This guide provides a framework for a nuanced discussion surrounding Russia’s new law forgiving debts for individuals who fight in Ukraine.
**I. Context & Motivation:**
* **Why do you think the Russian government decided to implement this policy at this time?**
* Encourage consideration of Russia’s current military situation, war objectives, and domestic political climate.
* **Is this a morally justifiable policy? What ethical implications arise from deploying people to a conflict as a solution to their financial burdens?**
* **How might this policy impact public perception of the war in Russia? Do you think it will encourage more Russians to volunteer? Why or why not?**
**II. Impact on Those Affected:**
* **What are the potential long-term consequences for individuals who participate in this program? **
* Consider physical, psychological, and financial risks beyond initial debt forgiveness.
* Explore the impact on returning veterans and their families.
* **Is this policy truly equitable for all Russians? Who stands to benefit most, and who might be disadvantaged?**
* **How do you think this program might affect family relationships and social dynamics in Russia?**
**III. Broader Implications:**
* **How does this policy compare to similar programs implemented by other countries during times of war?**
* Discuss historical precedents and draw comparisons.
* **What are the potential ramifications for the international community? How might other countries react to this type of incentive for military service?**
* **Looking ahead, what are the potential long-term consequences of this policy for Russia, both domestically and internationally?**
**IV. Ukrainian Perspective:**
* **How do you think Ukrainians will view this policy? What implications could it have for the ongoing conflict?**
* **Ukraine also has legislation offering loan benefits for its fighters. How does Russia’s policy compare? What similarities and differences exist, and what might they reveal about the parties’ respective motivations and challenges?**
**V. Concluding Thoughts:**
* **What are the most pressing questions surrounding this policy that need further investigation and analysis?**
* **What potential alternative solutions might address the underlying issues driving this policy decision without resorting to incentivizing war participation?**
Remember to create a safe and respectful space for conversation. Encourage active listening, constructive dialog, and respect for diverging viewpoints.
