In brief
Despite promises of a hero’s welcome, returning soldiers face financial exploitation and are robbed of their war pay.
In a disturbing turn of events, Russian servicemen returning from Ukraine have reported being scammed and robbed by various officials, contradicting President Vladimir Putin’s promises of respect and rewards for their service. From stolen salaries to predatory taxi fares, these soldiers are facing exploitation in their moment of supposed recognition.Since launching military operations in February 2022, Putin has expanded the military's ranks, leveraging enticing financial incentives to draw in recruits. The pay can be substantial—up to 5.2 million roubles (£47,000) for the first year of service. For many from impoverished regions, such compensation is a compelling reason to enlist, regardless of the risks involved.Take Nikita Khursa, a 39-year-old welder from Rostov region. After being wounded and sent home for recovery, Khursa and his wife had dreams of acquiring a flat with his substantial bonus. However, during an argument over his drinking, he stormed out with their cash savings, intending to secure an apartment in Rostov. In a fateful decision, he was stopped by traffic police who demanded a bribe after discovering the cash. Khursa recalls one officer arguing for leniency, but the lure of the money led to the officers seizing 2.66 million roubles (£24,000) from him.Compounding the problem, reports have surfaced detailing how some police at Moscow's airport are allegedly colluding with taxi drivers, who exploit returning soldiers by charging exorbitant post-ride fares. For those who resist, threats and even drugging have occurred, adding to an estimated loss of 1.5 million roubles from soldiers.In a shocking scandal, three recruitment center staff members were arrested for embezzling over 11 million roubles by manipulating soldiers’ salary accounts via held sim cards. Furthermore, cases of commanders improperly accessing soldiers' accounts, sometimes plundering funds from those listed as missing in action, highlight a gloomy picture of internal betrayal.Although Khursa reported the police officers who robbed him, their prosecution was derailed as they enlisted to fight in Ukraine, evading legal repercussions under new laws allowing criminal suspects to serve instead of facing trial.As he recuperates in a hospital near St. Petersburg, Khursa expresses a resigned acceptance of his plight. Despite losing both his marriage and his money, he now awaits military clearance on his return to duty. "Only the army saves you, puts a roof over your head," he remarks, reflecting on the harsh realities facing returning soldiers in Putin's Russia.
