War in Ukraine: Russia to Reduce Payments for Soldiers Wounded in War

Russia to cut allowances for soldiers wounded in Ukraine

In a move that has sparked outrage among Russian veterans and their families, the Russian government has announced plans to reduce allowances for soldiers wounded in the war in Ukraine. The changes, which were announced by the Ministry of Defense on January 1, 2023, will see monthly payments for wounded soldiers slashed by up to 50%.

Payments for wounded soldiers to be cut by up to 50%

Under the new rules, soldiers who are injured in combat will receive a monthly allowance of just 22,500 rubles ($330) per month, down from the previous amount of 33,750 rubles ($500). Severely wounded soldiers will receive a monthly allowance of 30,000 rubles ($440), down from the previous amount of 45,000 rubles ($660).

The cuts have been met with anger and frustration by Russian veterans and their families. Many have accused the government of abandoning those who have fought and been injured in the war.

Government accused of abandoning wounded soldiers

One veteran, who was wounded in the fighting in eastern Ukraine in 2014, told the BBC that the cuts were "a slap in the face" to those who had served their country.

"We have been injured, we have been disabled, and now the government is telling us that they don't care about us," he said.

The government has defended the cuts, saying that they are necessary due to the economic impact of the war. However, critics say that the cuts are a sign of the government's lack of commitment to supporting its veterans.

Cuts a sign of government's lack of commitment to veterans

The cuts to allowances for wounded soldiers are the latest in a series of measures that have been taken by the Russian government to reduce spending on the war in Ukraine. In recent months, the government has also cut funding for military equipment and supplies, and has reduced the number of troops deployed in Ukraine.

The cuts have raised concerns about the long-term impact of the war on Russia. Many experts believe that the war will have a devastating impact on the Russian economy, and that the cuts to military spending will make it difficult for Russia to maintain its current level of military engagement in Ukraine.

Cuts to military spending will make it difficult for Russia to maintain its current level of military engagement in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has already had a significant impact on Russia. The country has suffered heavy casualties, and its economy has been severely damaged by international sanctions. The cuts to allowances for wounded soldiers are a further sign of the growing cost of the war for Russia.