Putin offers debt relief to new recruits for Ukraine war

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on May 26, 2026, offering debt relief of up to 10 million rubles for new military recruits and their spouses who sign contracts for at least one year to serve in the "special military operation" in Ukraine. This measure, effective from May 1, aims to bolster armed forces amid the ongoing invasion and follows previous incentives like lucrative salaries and priority for veterans in education and employment.