Russia cuts troop payments, ranks regions by life value – Ukraine Intel

Bonuses for contracts being reduced, but not everywhere

Several regions of Russia have sharply reduced one-time payments for those who sign contracts with the army.

• In Bashkiria, the bonus fell from 1.6 million to 1 million rubles.
• In the Yamalo-Nenets District, it fell from 3.1 million to 1.9 million.
• In the Belgorod Region, it fell from 3 million to 800,000.
• In the Nizhny Novgorod Region, it fell from 3 million to 1.5 million.

Tatarstan and Ryazan increase payments

At the same time, the amounts are increasing in a number of regions. In Tatarstan, the bonus has been raised to 3.1 million rubles, in the Ryazan region, they promise a million more than before, and in Kabardino-Balkaria, the payment has been increased from 1.5 to 1.8 million.

Caste system in Russia

HUR notes that a system is being formed in Russia in which the lives of soldiers from different regions are valued differently.

At the same time, the main reasons for the redistribution of funds are cited as the budget deficit and the priority financing of certain territories.

Record deficit and military spending in Russia

Under the pressure of military spending and sanctions, Russia's economy is heading for a sharp decline. The main reasons are a decline in oil and gas revenues, a shortfall in tax revenues, and a rapid increase in the budget deficit. Banks are warning of an impending financial crisis.

At the same time, the lives of Russians are rapidly deteriorating. In the second quarter of 2025, overdue mortgage payments in Russia increased by 97% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching 95 billion rubles ($1.19 billion). Car loan debt rose by 85% to 32 billion rubles ($400 million).