Belgorod Region Offers Record 3M Ruble Military Sign-Up Payment

Southwestern Russia’s Belgorod region is offering a nationwide record of 3 million rubles ($31,200) in one-time payments for signing military contracts to fight in Ukraine, authorities said Monday.
“The payment will amount to 3 million rubles from all sources: the federal, regional, municipal budgets and extra-budgetary funds,” Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said at a regional administration meeting, according to Meduza. People who volunteer or sign contracts with the Russian Armed Forces between Oct. 7, and the end of the year.
Meduza reported this is the biggest sum of money offered to potential recruits amid Russia’s efforts to increase recruitment numbers without declaring another unpopular mobilization drive. 
It overtakes the Khanty-Mansi autonomous district, which offers a combined payment of 2.75 million rubles ($28,600) to new soldiers.
The record-setting payouts will be granted to anyone from any Russian region who enlists physically in the Belgorod region regardless of their birthplace, the news outlet Open Belgorod cited Gladkov as saying.
Experts say the rising payments for soldiers reflect Russia’s ongoing manpower crisis as civilians’ interest in going to war dwindles.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has designated The Moscow Times as an “undesirable” organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a “foreign agent.”
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work “discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership.” We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It’s quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you’re defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.