Russia Offers Debt Relief to New Recruits, Addresses U.S. on Kyiv Strikes

Russia signed a law on Monday forgiving up to 10 million rubles ($140,000) in unpaid debt for new military recruits and their spouses. The measure applies to any Russian who signs a minimum one-year contract with the military to serve in Ukraine after May 1, 2026.

The debt exemption also covers spouses of recruits. The law is the latest financial incentive aimed at increasing enlistment amid reports that Russian losses exceed recruitment.

Ukrainian military intelligence officials stated in late April that the Kremlin plans to recruit at least 18,500 foreign nationals to serve in the Russian army in 2026. The figure marks an increase from prior years. Reports indicate many foreign recruits are initially offered civilian jobs or rear-area logistics roles before being sent to front-line units after minimal training.

Warnings Issued to U.S. Russia said on Tuesday its government warned U.S.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio to evacuate diplomats and American citizens from Kyiv. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov informed Washington during a Monday call that Moscow would conduct systematic strikes on Ukrainian military facilities and decision-making centers.

Polling conducted last month by the independent Levada Center found 62 percent of Russians favor peace talks with Ukraine while 27 percent support continuing the war. The survey was conducted under conditions where respondents may face consequences for dissenting answers.

Kaupo Rosin, head of Estonia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, said in an interview that Russian forces advanced an average of 70 meters per day over the past two years while suffering about 1,000 casualties daily.