Russia's Belgorod Region Offers Record $31,200 Payout for Soldiers to Fight in Ukraine

Authorities in Russia's Belgorod region are offering a record one-time payment of 3 million rubles ($31,200) to those who sign military contracts to fight in Ukraine.

This was reported by Meduza, citing Belgorod region’s Governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov.

This sum of money is reported to be the biggest offered to potential recruits amid Russia’s efforts to increase recruitment numbers without declaring mobilization. 

“Starting today, that is, from October 7, 2024 to December 31, 2024, we are forming a new level of payments for those who sign contracts or volunteer from the territory of the Belgorod region. From all sources: from the federal budget, regional budget, municipal budget and extra-budgetary funds, the payment will amount to 3 million rubles,” Gladkov said during a meeting of the regional government.

According to current data, the Russian authorities are reportedly planning to recruit at least 225,000 contract soldiers annually to the Russian army in the next three years.

Previously, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has reported that the estimated total combat losses of the Russian army from February 24, 2022, to September 29, 2024 exceed 650,000.