Despite assurances from President Putin about honoring returning soldiers, many servicemen face theft and scams that deprive them of their military compensation, revealing vulnerabilities in the system.
Russian Soldiers Victimized by Scams and Theft Upon Returning from Ukraine
Russian Soldiers Victimized by Scams and Theft Upon Returning from Ukraine
Reports reveal a troubling trend of returning Russian soldiers being scammed and robbed, undermining government promises of a hero's welcome.
Amid promises of a hero's welcome on returning from the battlefield, many Russian soldiers are finding themselves victims of scams and theft, according to recent investigations by the BBC. Reports indicate that government officials and even law enforcement have exploited these servicemen, undermining promises made by President Vladimir Putin who aimed to triple military personnel since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The situation has been particularly dire for individuals like 39-year-old Nikita Khursa, who enlisted primarily for financial incentives that can offer recruits in certain regions up to 5.2 million roubles (£47,000) within the first year, along with various bonuses for injuries sustained during service. For many from economically disadvantaged areas, these financial opportunities are hard to resist, despite the peril involved.
Khursa, who was injured shortly after joining the front lines, had hoped to use his bonus for a future with his wife, Oksana. A personal conflict led to a reckless decision to drive to buy an apartment, bringing with him a plastic bag filled with cash. However, a chance encounter with traffic police resulted in the officers demanding a bribe, ultimately stealing 2.66 million roubles (£24,000), leaving Khursa devastated.
In broader patterns, returning soldiers have reported similar experiences in which taxi drivers, allegedly tipped off by police at airports, severely overcharge or threaten traumatized veterans. Investigators suspect that at least 1.5 million roubles were stolen in these incidents. Additionally, corruption appears rampant within recruitment centers, where employees purportedly stole over 11 million roubles by keeping access to soldiers' bank accounts.
Worse still, some soldiers have found themselves robbed by their own commanders, with accounts of officers compelling service members to surrender their bank cards to finance personal gain. Even after Khursa reported the officers who stole from him, the legal response was limited, as these suspects joined the military to evade prosecution under new laws permitting combatants to avoid charges.
In a hospital near St. Petersburg, Khursa reflected on his situation: “If there is a God, maybe this is how it should be.” With his marriage dissolved and physical injuries keeping him in military service, he emphasizes a lack of civilian options, stating, "Only the army saves you, puts a roof over your head." As the military continues to recruit under misguided assurances, the welfare of returning soldiers remains a pressing issue, shrouded in corruption and betrayal within their own ranks.
