Khabarovsk doubles signing bonuses to lure new contract soldiers
The Khabarovsk Territory has doubled its one-time payment for new contract soldiers joining Russia's military. Those signing a one-year or longer agreement now receive 2.1 million rubles, up from the previous 1 million. The move comes alongside expanded incentives for combat performance and family support.
The increased regional payment applies to reserve citizens, foreign nationals, and stateless individuals enlisting. When combined with federal bonuses, new recruits in Khabarovsk now get over 2.5 million rubles upfront. The region has also introduced 46 support measures, including legal aid, psychological counselling, and financial benefits for servicemembers and their families.
Monthly salaries for those deployed in the special military operation zone start at 225,000 rubles. Additional combat bonuses can push annual earnings between 300,000 and 7 million rubles. Rewards include 500,000 rubles for destroying Western tanks like the Abrams or Challenger, and 300,000 to 500,000 rubles for shooting down aircraft or missile systems.
Since the start of the operation, Khabarovsk has formed 12 new units, including specialised drone warfare troops. Contract soldiers also receive life and health insurance, job protection during service, and debt relief of up to 10 million rubles.
The expanded financial incentives aim to attract recruits to newly formed units, particularly in drone warfare. With higher upfront payments and performance-based bonuses, the region seeks to strengthen its military capabilities. The measures also provide long-term security for servicemembers and their families.
